Ebanks is young and inexperienced, but he is a hard-nosed player with solid potential.
He is two inches taller than World Peace and Matt Barnes. This added size will be a tremendous boost to the Lakers' formidable frontcourt.
Impact on the Glass
Denver needs to win the battle of the boards if they want to knock off the third-seeded Lakers. Ebanks' presence in the starting lineup will make that more difficult.
The Lakers already had quality rebounders in the starting lineup. Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol combine for nearly 20 boards per game. Ebanks only averaged 2.3 rebounds per game this season, but those numbers will skyrocket with more minutes.
Denver needs Kenneth Faried and Kosta Koufos to maintain control of rebounds on both ends. They were facing a stiff challenge without Ebanks' lanky 6'9'' frame patrolling the paint.
Versatility
Ebanks has the height to play power forward and the athleticism to play on the wing. This creates matchup problems for the Nuggets.
Ebanks' presence on the wing will hinder Danillo Gallinari. Gallinari is a very good perimeter player, but Ebanks is a physical player. His physicality could force Gallinari out of his element.
If the Lakers stick Ebanks at power forward, he also provides problems for Denver. Faried is an athletic player down low, but Ebanks will negate some of his production.
Matching high-energy player against high-energy player opens the floor up for other players. This gives an obvious advantage to the more talented Laker squad.
Youth Infusion
Ebanks is inexperienced, but...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
