The Frenchman came off the bench for just three minutes and made his third NBA appearance after brief appearances against Denver and New Orleans.

Traore also had a bargain, and his talent certainly gives the Lakers’ coaching staff something to think about and reason to be excited about.

JJ Redick is excited about Armel Traore

LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick stated during his post-game press conference that Traore caused a stir in the facility.

Regarding Traore’s NBA debut against the Pelicans, Redick explained that a short clip from his four-minute appearance had the Lakers team excited.

Redick explained: “We think he’s going to be a really physical defender. He recovers at an elite level, but what stands out is how hard he plays.

“You know, there’s a clip that got through to our staff internally. A number of people who work for the Lakers talked about it for two minutes, three minutes, something like that.

“In the game against New Orleans 10 days ago, he gets a rebound and we have no advantage and he sprints full speed to the corner to get to his spot. (I’m) sure the tracking data put it at about 18.6 mph.

“But it’s like he’s like that all the time, and that’s how he’s been in our South Bay group, and you know he’s a guy that we’re excited to see continue to develop in our system.”

Armel Traore had a big night with the South Bay Lakers

Redick described Armel Traore as an “elite level” rebounder and this is backed up by the numbers.

Traore was with the LA Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, and put up eye-popping numbers in their recent game against San Diego.

He had 17 points and 22 rebounds, which is a team record and just shy of the G League record of 24.

The Lakers will continue to use him between the huddles, and after his initial points, the door to more opportunities may have opened.

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