Andrew Goudelock To Earn NBA Call-Up to Familiar Stomping Grounds?

Andrew Goudelock took the NBA D-League by storm this season, emerging as a surefire M.V.P. candidate as the months progressed. He not only served as a scoring machine, averaging 21.1 points (on 48% from the field and 36% from deep), but also logged 5.2 assists 52 contests also.

There's no doubt the combo guard can pour in the points with ease, but he also made the effort to develop his playmaking abilities also, working on his floor general instincts.

As much as Goudelock wants to develop his overall game, they don't call him "the mini-Mamba" for nothing. He's one heck of a scorer. After leading the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to a 15-2 record in the months of March and April (helping them earn the second seed in the playoffs, in which they're competing now), the guard will reportedly join an NBA team that is clearly in need of his impressive scoring prowess.

After spending last season as an NBA rookie in Los Angeles, Goudelock is poised to re-join the Lakers once again, according to most recent reports. Still in the thick of a playoff race as they look to squeeze into the postseason with that coveted eighth seed, the Lakers could clearly use someone who will fit right in as he aims to make sure Los Angeles doesn't suffer all too much in the absence of Kobe Bryant.

Perhaps because he understands the organization quite well already, Goudelock fits that mold best at this point. Of course, the Los Angeles currently employs Mike D'Antoni to run the show for the now-fringe playoff squad. Though there's a new sheriff in town, a player with Goudelock's bold and savvy offensive skills surely stands to only reap the benefits of playing for someone like D'Antoni. There's a good possibility he'll thrive by being given the coach's green light.

With regard to potential NBA call-ups, it's anyone's guess as to why Goudelock has had to wait this long to earn himself one. Putting it simply, he's been one of the best (if not the best) offensive players the minor league has seen grace its hardwoods with season.

It'll be interesting to see if the timing and familiar location of this call-up will benefit the guard in any way long-term. With Bryant's injury in mind, it would make sense for the Lakers to sign Goudelock for the rest of the season, and perhaps potentially tag on a team-option or two for upcoming seasons.