Gaffney catches Lakers’ eye

For now Gaffney is a Los Angeles Laker. The former University of Massachusetts standout is coming off the bench during the exhibition season trying to earn a roster spot. He has averaged 3.2 points in five games.

The Lakers have 15 players on their roster, meaning Gaffney may have a chance to make the team, or he could be assigned to Los Angeles’s NBDL affiliate.

The Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year is enjoying his time with a championship organization and is humbled by the experience.

“It’s surreal, it’s been amazing being around a core group of veteran guys - for a rookie that’s pretty special,’’ said Gaffney, who hit a momentum-changing 3-pointer in a 114-108 win Sunday over the Clippers. “Obviously they do it the right way here. I just want to prove to them I can play here, can help them one way or another.’’

Following his senior season, Gaffney worked out for several teams and played on the Lakers’ Summer League team in Las Vegas. Los Angeles invited him to training camp and he made the first cut as the club released three players last week, leaving Gaffney and former Washington State guard Thomas Kelati as the lone non-roster players left.

NBA teams can keep as many as 15 players but some are considering fewer because of economic constraints. The Lakers have control of their own NBDL team, the D-Fenders, who also play at Staples Center. Gaffney, who is from Berkley, Mass., and started his career at Boston University, watched on television Sunday’s Patriots-Titans game at snow-covered Gillette Stadium and said he was glad to be in southern California.

“The first thought I had being here was I was thrilled,’’ he said. “I was like a kid waking up on Christmas morning. I was ready to get out here. But since I have been out here, I have been working hard and learning from the best.’’

Gaffney was considered a draft sleeper after averaging 11.5 points and 10.2 rebounds during his senior season at UMass. That was considerably better than his junior season, so the experts tabbed the 6-foot-8-inch forward a late bloomer. He has grabbed 10 rebounds in just 46 exhibition minutes and gives the club a defensive lift off the bench.

“We really like his basketball feel,’’ Lakers coach Phil Jackson said yesterday, “his athleticism, his defensive capabilities. He’s learning how to shoot the ball, and that’s one of the keys for him. He’s doing really well out there. Guys like him. He fits in really well with us.’’

Such praise from a Hall of Fame coach could do wonders for Gaffney’s future. And he is attempting to make the decision to keep him easier with his work ethic and ability to learn the triangle offense. Younger players have had a difficult time learning Jackson’s sophisticated system.

“You have to think without thinking,’’ Gaffney said with a laugh when asked about the challenge. “You have to take what the defense gives you but at the same time all the spots have to be filled. I still have a lot of work to do learning it. But the guys have helped me pick up the offense as quickly as possible.’’

A team prepared to defend its title has high standards. Gaffney has met all challenges so far, and is grateful for the opportunity.

“I feel like I learn every day, and some of the veterans have been patient with us,’’ said Gaffney, who was the fifth Division 1 player since 1996-97 to record at least 100 blocks and 50 steals in a season as a senior. “It’s not an easy offense to pick up. But I think I am holding my own. I feel like there’s some things I could do that could help them to say at least the last month and half from a learning process has been really good.’’

Jackson wouldn’t speculate on Gaffney’s future but did admit it will be a topic of discussion with management.

“I am not going to make any presumptions about that,’’ Jackson said. “We are going to sit down and talk about that in the next couple of days. He definitely puts a twinkle in our eye, no doubt about it.’’

Gary Washburn can be reached at gwashburn@globe.com.