Lakers Reportedly Sign Kendall Marshall

With Kobe Bryant joining the Lakers' trio of injured point guards, the Lakers signed Kendall Marshall as emergency relief.

Less than six hours after news of Kobe Bryant’s left knee fracture broke (no pun intended), the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly signed a free agent point guard: Kendall Marshall.

Marshall is a young point guard who was drafted 13th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2012 NBA Draft. During his rookie season, Marshall averaged 3.0 points and 3.0 assists in limited minutes. After only one season, the former North Carolina Tar Heel found himself in the NBA Development League playing for the Delaware 87ers.

Marshall averaged 19.7 points and 9.6 assists per game in the D-League this season, and he appeared to be a greatly improved player from his rookie season. With a depleted backcourt, the Lakers only possessed three healthy guards for Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves: Xavier Henry, Jodie Meeks and Nick Young.

Prior to Bryant’s latest injury, the 35-year-old was filling in for the injured point guard trio of Steve Nash, Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar.

Now, the Lakers have a healthy true point guard who can fill in the role.

At the moment, the terms of the deal and the timeline for integration remain unclear. The Lakers will likely offer more details on Friday morning shootaround, but LA is expected to offer the 6-foot 4-inch guard a non-guaranteed contract.

Henry will likely remain the starter for Friday night’s game, but a lopsided score line could see the new addition earn some vital minutes with his new teammates.

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