Kendrick Nunn was just one of many disappointments for the Los Angeles Lakers last season but while most of them had to do with poor play on the court, that wasn't the case for Nunn. Signed by the Lakers in 2021 to a 2-year, $10 million deal, Nunn never played a game in the regular season for them as he dealt with a knee injury. While there were murmurs regarding him returning at various points of the season, it never happened in the end.
A new season brings hope of a change in fortunes and Nunn is expected to finally make his debut this upcoming season as he looks to help the Lakers bounce back from a disastrous campaign that saw them finish with a 33-49 record. There was some excitement that Nunn was, at last, going to feature, but a worrying report emerged recently regarding the guard.
Kendrick Nunn Dismissed Report That His Ramp-Up Had Been Slower Than Anticipated
Jovan Buha, who is a reputed Lakers insider, recently was on "The HoopsHype Podcast" with Michael Scotto, where he was talking about all things Lakers. During the episode, he gave a somewhat worrying update on Nunn's status.
via HoopsHype Podcast (starts at 32:52 mark):
“He’s been around the facility, he's been shooting and working out. It’s been a slower than anticipated ramp-up. Now they’ve got Pat (Patrick Beverley), so he’s the best addition of the offseason, but there’s a chance Kendrick Nunn is technically the best free agent addition that they make by getting him back."
Considering how long he had been out, it was concerning when Buha reported this, as it seemed eerily similar to last season when it looked like he was coming back, only for his return to be pushed back further. Nunn took to Twitter to dismiss the report and ease some fears among Lakers fans.
It is indeed good news if he is on track for opening day as he gives them some outside shooting and is a decent defender too. He had previously stated that Lakers fans can expect consistency from him and that's all they would want, considering all the inconsistencies last season.
What is a bit unclear, however, is how big of a role he will have with the team next season. The Lakers just acquired Patrick Beverley while Russell Westbrook remains on the roster as well. Austin Reaves also established himself as a solid rotational piece last season in Nunn's absence, so he will have to fight hard for a bigger role if he wants one in 2022-23.
More must-reads: