None of those reasons amount to a compelling argument against giving the guy a chance.
And, that's exactly what GM Mitch Kupchak has decided to do after the 20-year-old competed for Los Angeles' team at the Las Vegas Summer League.
The Los Angeles Times' Baxter Holmes reports that Reeves will have an opportunity to prove himself in training camp, but nothing more than an opportunity:
Former UCLA forward Reeves Nelson will be invited to the Lakers training camp that begins in early October after he signs a one-year, non-guaranteed contract, potentially worth about $700,000 with the team, Nelson told The Times on Tuesday.
In other words, the Lakers will only incur any costs if they see something they like. And when you're already spending almost $100 million on your roster, what's another $700,000?
Are there risks associated with bringing Nelson into the mix? Sure, at least in theory.
You won't find anyone questioning his ability, but that's not what got him dismissed from UCLA's team last season. On the court, Reeves has been a hard worker who doesn't shy away from contact. He could score, rebound and even led the team with 13.9 points and 9.1 rebounds in 2010-11.
But, his production tanked the following season, along with his attitude and maturity. A number of incidents involving a lack of effort and no lack of insubordination put him on head coach Ben Howland's bad side, and it became apparent that Nelson's days were numbered.
One way or the other, he wasn't going to remain a prominent part of the Bruins' program.
The drama might have forced Nelson to grow up in short order. He was apparently nothing but prof...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
