Lakers’ Marshall Making Most of Opportunity

(Kendall) Marshall is only 22 years old but already has been exposed to the cruel side of the business. The Suns considered him a poor fit virtually moments after he was drafted, a halfcourt point guard who lacked shooting ability and fast-break prowess. Not only have the Lakers given Marshall a chance to play in the NBA — a far cry from the Delaware 87ers — but he’s starting and playing major minutes because they are devoid of a floor leader. Marshall is averaging 12.1 points and 11.9 assists in his 12 starts for Los Angeles, and shooting 47 percent from the 3-point arc. What’s more, Marshall has converted 32 3-pointers in 16 games this season, compared with 23 in 48 games as a rookie.

“It’s been good. I’ve enjoyed it and tried to make the most of [my opportunity],” he said last week. “When that chance does come about, you have to be ready to help the team in any way possible. It was really tough [the last year] but I lean on the people really close to me — my sisters, my parents, my close friends — that know what I can do. That support system has been great for me throughout the process.

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t tough. That’s what really kept me going.”

via Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe