Kendall Marshall has given the Los Angeles Lakers a breath of fresh air somewhat, since joining the team this season. Marshall has shown flashes of excitement and brilliance at the point guard position, however has not been able to escape controversy.

Fellow teammate Nick Young accused Marshall and others of lacking heart, not having his back, and allowing Young to “play 1-on-5″ in an altercation against the Phoenix Suns. Marshall quickly defended himself after the game.

Marshall criticized Young for getting ejected, due to the short staff of players on the roster. Days later Young and Marshall cleared the air. Marshall even stated the next time Young or any other teammates engage in an altercation, he & the rest of the team will extract  their teammate out of harm’s way.

They’re may be several reasons why Marshall is an asset to the Lakers, but is heart one of them? Time will reveal. His influence on the court can be matched with some of the premier superstars of the league.

He has some astronomical turnover issues in head coach Mike D’Antoni‘s high powered offense. Marshall has a 26% turnover rate, which is the highest in the NBA ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Ricky Rubio.

Playing in 15 games thus far in the season, with timing and work ethic, Marshall could be a rising start – not only for this Laker team, but the NBA could recognize him in a few years.

Despite his many turnovers, he has the offense running with high-powered efficiency when he is on the floor. When he exits to the bench, the Lakers offense becomes last in offense and offensive opportunities.

His decisions may be questionable, but his confidence cannot, and with a young point guard that displays an exhibited amount of poise and security in his abilities, that allows him room to improve and grow at the position.

Among some of the top point guards in the league such as Chris Paul and All-Star starter Stephen Curry, Marshall is dishing out 11.8 assist per game. Paul is at 11.2 assists per game, and Curry averages 9.2 assists per game.

Marshall is averaging 11 points per game, and shooting an impressive 43% from 3-point line, a huge improvement from a season ago with Phoenix where he shot a mediocre 31%.

A young talent that brings scoring, drive and assists on a nightly basis is exactly what Los Angeles needs as they struggle through the season.  Marshall could be a key factor in the rebuilding process for the Lakers as they attempt to attract other big name free agents.