<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">EL SEGUNDO -- The floor opened up for Devean George in the final minutes of Lakers practice Monday afternoon, a three-on-one fastbreak with the ball in George's hands. More than five months removed from ankle surgery, George was getting his first extended full-court run of the season. He drifted to the right side in transition, then drained a 23-foot jumper, his feet just nudging the 3-point arc. "You don't forget how to shoot," George said afterward. "My legs are not there, and my lift's not there, but that's what I'm working on. The way to get back is to get in the scrimmages and get up and down." George went on to connect on a 3-pointer from the corner and swished two free throws in Monday's scrimmage. Afterward, he said he would like to return from the injured list the second week of January. The ideal target date would be Jan. 10, when the Lakers travel to play the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis, George's hometown. A more realistic return might be the Jan. 15 game in Oakland against Golden State.</div> Source I'm actually curious to see how George fits in with the team. Both Butler and JJ have been solid at SF, and the Lakers are going to face a logjam at that position. Maybe George will allow Kobe more time to rest in games and assist the Lakers on perimeter defense. Best case scenario, I'd like to see the Lakers showcase him as possible trade bait for a PG or more size.
I think we should trade him, he's worth way more than he should be. Honestly, i'm surprised we haven't already traded him for a better point guard.
Eh...he's already talking about shooting. I wish the guy would attack the basket more. He'd be a much better player if he slashed to the hoop. He's got the size advantage to do it, and the rebounding skills to pull down boards off the offensive glass if he misses the close jumper or lay-in. If Devean wants to be valuable to this team, he needs to practice shooting...but also play more aggressive (possibly not yet, due to injury) and crash the boards. How about play off the ball? That would be nice. I'll push for his return...but if he's playing like he did last season, I'll lean towards a trade very quickly.
I'd love to see Devean focus more on defense as well. The Lakers have enough players who can put the ball in the hoop, but they don't have a defensive stopper at the forward spot and Devean could fill that role. If only he could be the poorman's Shawn Marion for the Lakers and fill the defensive stats .. REBS, STLS, & BLKS. The problem with Devean has always been his inconsistency and lack of confidence when his shot isn't falling. He was on fire in the first few weeks last year and took full advantage of playing with 4 future Hall of Famers. Then he went into a rut when the Lakers started getting injured and never came out of it. He also gets into to foul trouble with ticky tack reach ins and gets lazy with his footwork. He's a great athlete, but regardless of how he plays, I think the Lakers need to package him in a deal because he's not going to be part of the future for the Lakers.
