Despite the Los Angeles Lakers losing to the Brooklyn Nets, there was one player who had a big impact in the game. That player was Wenyen Gabriel, a 6-foot-9 forward who was signed by the Lakers on a 10-day contract.
Gabriel, who played college basketball at Kentucky, has bounced around the NBA over the past few years, spending time with the Sacramento Kings, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the New Orleans Pelicans. He has mostly been used as a depth player and has not received much playing time in the league.
However, Gabriel made the most of his opportunity with the Lakers, playing 24 minutes off the bench and scoring 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting. He also grabbed 4 rebounds and made several hustle plays on both ends of the floor.
Gabriel’s performance was particularly impressive given that he was playing against one of the top teams in the league, featuring stars like Kevin Durant and James Harden. His energy and athleticism were a welcome addition to a Lakers team that has struggled with injuries and consistency all season.
While the Lakers ultimately lost the game, Gabriel’s performance was a bright spot for the team and showed that he has the potential to be a valuable contributor at the NBA level. His combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability make him an intriguing prospect for the Lakers and other teams looking for depth at the forward position.
Wenyen Gabriel’s big impact on the Lakers in their loss to the Nets was a reminder of the importance of giving young players a chance to showcase their skills. While Gabriel may not have been a household name before the game, his performance showed that he has the potential to be a valuable contributor at the NBA level and could have a bright future in the league.