LA Lakers News Roundup: LeBron James impressed with Scotty Pippen Jr., Jonas Valanciunas mocks 4-time MVP in a game of Charades and more | 23rd July 2022

The LA Lakers may have found a gem in undrafted rookie Scotty Pippen Jr, with even LeBron James impressed with the rookie from Vanderbilt.

Recently, Jonas Valanciunas mimicked the Lakers' franchise player in a game of charades back in Lithuania.

Austin Reaves steadily worked his way to a roster spot with the LA Lakers last season. His play has earned him two nicknames that he wants to lose.

Here is a roundup of the latest news on rumors for the LA Lakers on July 23.

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Scotty Pippen Jr. has impressed LA Lakers superstar LeBron James

Scotty Pippen Jr. was a pleasant revelation for the Lakers during the Las Vegas Summer League. [Photo: Lakers Daily]

LeBron James has an eye for spotting talent, even when it gets snubbed in the NBA draft. The signing of undrafted rookie Scotty Pippen Jr. to a two-way contract with the Lakers didn't draw much buzz.

However, the fact that the Vanderbilt product is the son of Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen did garner some attention. After his Summer League performances, believe the LA Lakers have found a gem.

A few days ago, LeBron James gave Pippen Jr. credit for his Summer League play, saying, "The kid has a bright future."

The LA Lakers battled the Phoenix Suns in the Summer League. Pippen Jr. showed his hustle, energy, and grit on both ends of the floor, leading the Lakers with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Pippen Jr. even dove into the sidelines on one occasion, and James readily helped him up.

Last year, Austin Reaves earned himself solid minutes as a role player after getting snubbed in the draft. Scotty Pippen Jr. could be on that same path.

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Jonas Valanciunas mocks four-time MVP

In a game of Charades, Jonas Valanciunas took a dig at LA Lakers superstar LeBron James. [Photo: New York Posts]

Even in a game of charades, LeBron James doesn't escape mocking. Opponents and former teammates have accused the four-time MVP of flopping over the years. So, it's not surprising that Jonas Valnciunas mentioned it in a game of charades.

The New Orleans Pelicans center rubbed his eyes to signify crying and suddenly flopped to the floor. Since Valanciunas plays in the NBA, fans promptly made the right guess.

A few days ago, the Pelicans took a shot at James and embattled point guard Russell Westbrook on Twitter.

“Yes our players enjoy sitting next to each other rather than on opposite ends of the court.”

The dig was aimed at the two LA Lakers superstars who watched their team face off against the Phoenix Suns in the Summer League. They never took the time or effort to meet each other, and instead sat on opposite ends of the court.

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Austin Reaves wants to drop two nicknames

Austin Reaves is acting LA Lakers fans to drop the old nicknames and give him a new one. [Photo: Lake Show Life]

Austin Reaves has earned everything he has in the NBA the hard way. In his rookie year, Laker Nation dubbed him "AR-15" and "Hillbilly Kobe."

ESPN writer Dave McMenamin had this to report in an interview with Reaves:

"I don't condone any gun violence that happens around our country," Reaves told ESPN. "But you can't really control what [nickname] people give you. I mean, I didn't come out and say my name was that. There's been others, like the 'Hillbilly Kobe,' that probably aren't the best thing in the situation that's going on, with Kobe's passing."

After a spate of killings using semi-automatic rifles, Reaves wants the nickname dropped. Besides, shooting baskets isn't his biggest asset yet. He only averaged 7.3 points on 31.7% shooting from beyond the arc last season.

AR comes from his name, while 15 references his jersey number. Reaves wore No. 12 for both Wichita State and Oklahoma. Kendrick Nunn, however, wore 12 for the Lakers, so the rookie opted for 15.