Lakers Rumors: Xavier Henry Can Turn Career Around in Los Angeles

According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Lakers have expressed interest in shooting guard Xavier Henry. Henry has spent three years in the NBA, playing for the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans, failing to live up to the hype as a first-round draft pick.

After three tumultuous seasons, the Lakers can be the team that helps Henry turn his career around.

The Lakers have made a concerted effort to improve their athleticism during the 2013 NBA offseason. They've added players such as Jordan Farmar, Wesley Johnson and Nick Young, forming a significantly better second unit than they possessed in 2013.

Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles confirms that the Lakers are targeting Henry as a potential complementary piece and training camp invitee.



That last part is the key.

There's no guaranteeing that Henry makes it onto the main roster, nor should there be. He's underwhelmed during his first three years, and his commitment to the game has come into question due to his poor conditioning.

Should he make the cut, however, the Lakers are the perfect team to help him turn his career around.

 

Undeniable Upside



Henry was once a high school basketball star, ranking third behind Avery Bradley and Derrick Favors on the 2009 ESPN 100. Players behind him included John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, John Henson and Mason Plumlee, displaying just how much upside he possesses.

Hindsight is always 20/20.

For all of the talk of him being an NBA bust, Henry was spectacular during his freshman season with the Kansas Jayhawks. He averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals on 41.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc, earning a spot on the honorable mention All-Big 12 team.



After a second-round exit from the NCAA tournament, Henry decided to go pro.

Man...

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