Two-Way Rookie Guard Exhibits Promise In Clippers Match

The Los Angeles Lakers have a few very interesting prospects on their roster via the two-way contracts. The scouting team has been great at finding players and helping turn them into quality role players in the NBA. Notably Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves, the Lakers have a knack for this.

They may have found another potential steal on a two-way deal in the form of guard D'Moi Hodge from The University of Missouri. Through the summer league, Hodge has shown an impressive two-way game that could really benefit the Lakers down the road. 

During his time in college, Hodge showed strong defensive potential and show 40 percent from three. He averaged 14.7 points and 3.9 rebounds for the Tigers last season and has continued his production in the summer games.

Robert Marvi of Yahoo Sports named Hodge as one of the biggest takeaways from the Lakers win over the Los Angeles Clippers in their summer league finale. He put on a show and could be making a name for himself here soon. Hodge put up 23 points in the win but it was his total game that was impressive.

"Hodge was also productive on the defensive end of the floor. He came up with five steals, and midway through the fourth quarter, he came up with a steal, then instinctively threw a lead pass upcourt to create a fast-break that ended with a dunk by LJ Figueroa. He is someone for Lakers fans to also keep an eye on moving forward."

Per Yahoo Sports

Hodge is exactly the type of player that the Lakers have been missing over the last few seasons. He could replicate what Caruso did for LA in 2020 and 2021, just with a better shooting touch. Obviously there could be growing pains but he is a strong candidate to get some minutes this season if he continues to grow his game.

His coach at Missouri knew his game would translate well to the NBA level and at least so far it has. LA could give him a run during the season to see what he can bring to the table and maybe he sticks around if he finds success. 

Watch out for Hodge and as Marvi said, he is a name to keep an eye on.