Bio

As a freshman guard in 2011-12 with the Lakers: De La Cruz was known greatly for his shooting presence along the perimeter. Labeled as a quality shooter with great upside coming out of Norman Thomas High School, the sophomore showed just how important of a player he really can be at the collegiate level last season. De La Cruz, described as long and lengthy, converted on 24 of his 69 shot attempts from three-point land last season. Overall, he shot 35% from beyond the arc and in addition was a 38% shooter from the field. De La Cruz, who played in 28 games his freshman year, averaged 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in 2011-12. Furthermore, he also added to the mix a reliable shooting hand from the free throw line – where he hoisted the ball into the net 73% of the time. The second-year rising phenom will make the transition from shooting guard to forward this season – as coach Jones would like to use his long, 6’2” frame around the blocks of the free throw lane. He may be penciled in as a member of the interior post – but don’t be surprised if you see this silky shooter out on the wing firing up shots at a high percentage in 2012-13. Expect to see a steady increase in De La Cruz’s production this season – especially from an offensive standpoint.