The Lakers opened the NBA Summer League by defeating the Heat in a game that appeared for the first time with players very Familiar family names.
Rookie guard Scottie Pippen Jr. and striker Sheriff O’Neill hit the floor in purple and gold for the first time on Saturday in Los Angeles’ 100-66 win over Miami. NBA Hall of Famers sons Shaquille O’Neal, Scottie Pippen, O’Neal and Pippen Jr. Summer League deals with the popular franchise after neither was selected in last week’s draft.
Talented in Vanderbilt’s first All-SEC team, Pippen started in the backcourt next to fellow rookie Max Christie, the Lakers’ only choice for 2022 (#35). Pepin, from I signed a two-way contract Upon arriving, he showed flashes of his two-way potential in a distinct role; The 21-year-old impressed in the third quarter with a sequence that had him score on the hard drive to the edge before blocking a shot on the other end.
Pepin finished the competition with 14 points in 3 out of 9 shooting from the field (1 out of 5 out of three), six rebounds and three assists in 24 minutes of movement. He also made seven out of eight free throw attempts, and made five turns.
After starting the competition as a reserve, the 22-year-old O’Neill made his debut with 3:39 to play in the first quarter. The former big man at UCLA and LSU wasted little time scoring his first points after securing a pass and finishing with a layup after a powerful dribble.
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It went on to play at just under 16 minutes into the night, giving fans the excitement of seeing O’Neill’s legacy continue with their first extended look at the newcomer after he… He battled injuries throughout his three college seasons. O’Neill finished with six points (2 of 3 FG, 2 of 2 FT), six rebounds and one assist.
Aside from picking up the mantle left by their famous parents, Pippen and O’Neal are entering the Summer League with something extra to prove that they are members of one of the major NBA franchises.
Only time will tell, if any of the starters impress enough to end up on the main roster next season, they will look to add a little “champion DNA” to the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
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