Warriors' Speights develops into coach's 'new favorite player'

Warriors forward Marreese Speights has been a valuable contributor off the bench in his last few games. He is averaging 14.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in his last four games, which included a 24-point, nine-rebound outing Sunday against the Lakers.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who called Speights his "new favorite player" following Sunday's game, said Speights will continue to play significant minutes off the bench as long as he keeps producing, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

"He's played his way into the backup 4-5 role," Kerr said. "More than anything, what pleases me is just the professionalism, staying ready when he hasn't gotten into games. He hasn't complained, he's been unbelievably positive, and when I do put him out there, he produces. He's a real pro, and he's been a good example for our whole team."