It is not always that the value of a player on the team is measured in numbers on the court. Jared Dudley is a prime example of that. He was praised by the Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James for being a star in his own role.
The 35-year-old veteran is averaging 0.5 points, 1 rebounds and 0.2 assists in 3.7 minutes per game for the defending NBA champions this season. So far, Dudley has taken only a single shot — a three-pointer — and made it.
Despite not getting much playing time, Dudley is contributing to his team in other ways and is always ready to take on the task he is given. That, according to James, is important for the Lakers, a team that has its eyes set on winning a championship.
Per Harrison Faigen of SilverScreenandRoll:
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play with some real, real true professionals in that role, and guys that are stars in their role, and Dudz is another one of those guys that whatever the team needs, man — I mean literally whatever the team needs — he is ready for whatever, both on and off the floor,” James said. “That is a diamond in the rough to have for a championship-aspiring ball club, and Dudz has been that for us the last few years.”
