Svi Mykhailiuk shows off shooting, athleticism in Lakers’ summer league debut

By Staff     Jul 3, 2018

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkwYoqIHL5L/

Svi Mykhailiuk arrived at the NBA Summer League ready to score.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ second-round draft pick from Kansas put up 15 points and knocked down three of his 6 3-point attempts in his exhibition debut Monday night at the California Classic, in Sacramento, Calif.

The smooth shots from beyond the arc couldn’t have surprised anyone, but the flashes of athleticism from the 6-foot-8 guard likely opened the eyes of those who didn’t follow him closely with the Jayhawks.

Mykhailiuk finished strong above the rim on a couple of occasions during L.A.’s 98-93 loss to Sacramento at Golden 1 Center. One of his dunks came in transition, but another materialized in the half court.

The Kings’ Justin Jackson flew at Mykhailiuk when the Lakers rookie caught a pass on the wing, and the 21-year-old Ukrainian blew past his defender and rose up for a powerful two-handed jam before No. 2 overall pick Marvin Bagley III could think about contesting it.

“That I can shoot real well gives me more opportunities to go to the rim,” Mykhailiuk told reporters afterward, “because people are going to close out on me hard, and I think I have good enough handles to go to the rim.”

It seemed the early-summer scouting report on Mykhailiuk might not have accounted for his agility and bounce — even though Sacramento guard and former KU teammate Frank Mason III (16 points, nine assists) could’ve warned the Kings.

“I think they might change later,” a grinning Mykhailiuk said of opponents’ expectations for defending him. “But it is what it is.”

Like fellow rookie Moe Wagner, Mykhailiuk, according to Lakers summer coach Miles Simon, showed some positive signs and played relaxed.

“Svi knocks down those 3s. In the fourth quarter he looked really good,” Simon added. “Defensively, moving his feet really well.”

His comfort level wasn’t inhibited by the NBA 3-point line extending a little more than a foot farther back than the college arc.

“Yeah, it’s not that far,” Mykhailiuk said. “But it’s just a little bit of an adjustment, and I think I’ll be fine.”

Wagner, who has known his new Laker teammate since their days of matching up in Europe, expected Mykhailiuk’s shooting display.

“That dude doesn’t miss,” Wagner said. “I’m not surprised. It’s fun to be on the court with him.”

A Mason 3-pointer (he made two of three in the win) ended the Lakers’ chances in the final minute.

“We lost — that’s not a good thing — but I think we competed hard,” Mykhailiuk said. “They made tough shots in the end and I think we’re gonna be better tomorrow.”

L.A. takes on Miami Tuesday night at 9, on ESPN2.

The Lakers’ other KU rookie, Malik Newman, missed the opener due to a left foot sprain.

PREV POST

Tom Keegan: Facing Japan in Taiwan next step in Kansas ace's baseball education

NEXT POST

52235Svi Mykhailiuk shows off shooting, athleticism in Lakers’ summer league debut