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Mark Madsen gives his take on three promising summer league players

Former Gonzaga standout Elias Harris played well for the Lakers during summer league.
(George Frey / Associated Press)
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The Lakers’ summer league squad in Las Vegas performed relatively well, finishing in the quarterfinals with an 83-77 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Mark Madsen, recently appointed to Coach Mike D’Antoni’s staff as a player development coach, helped support Dan D’Antoni -- who served as head coach of the Lakers’ summer league entry.

In a phone interview with The Times, Madsen gave his thoughts on the three players whose performances stood out.

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Point guard Lester Hudson was the Lakers’ most efficient player, averaging 12.2 points on 48.9% shooting from the field and 46.2% from three-point range.

“When I think of Lester, I think of leadership,” Madsen said. “I think of the ability [he] has to get the most out of his teammates.”

The 6-foot-3 Hudson has bounced around the league over three years, playing with the Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies.

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“Lester is a great leader,” Madsen continued. “Lester scored the ball well for us. Lester shot the ball well for us.”

Forward Marcus Landry led the Lakers in scoring at 15.2 points while shooting 42.1%.

“Marcus is also tremendous at taking the ball to the basket,” said Madsen. “He led the D-League in three-point percentage last year.”

Madsen also thought highly of forward Elias Harris, who averaged 10.2 points on 44.7% shooting along with 5.6 rebounds.

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“Elias had a great career up at Gonzaga,” said Madsen. “I think the word that comes to my mind with Elias is versatility. At times we asked him to guard two men.”

“His ability to guard men and with the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket is a tremendous skill set,” he continued.

Once the Lakers sign draft pick Ryan Kelly (48th), the roster will have 12 players -- one short of the league minimum.

The Lakers can carry up to 15 but may stick with 13 or 14. Hudson may have a difficult time making the roster if the team already has three point guards (Steve Nash, Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar).

Landry and Harris may earn camp invites, along with free agent forward Shawn Williams -- the three players fighting for one potential spot.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

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