By: Jonathan Han
Just 24 hours after Free Agency opened on Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers reached agreements to bring back Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura, thus, keeping their three most valuable free agents. While also managing to retain Jared Vanderbilt and sign Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Jaxson Hayes, and Cam Reddish–all excellent signings, while only losing Dennis Schröder to the Toronto Raptors.
Coming off a dramatic season, starting it slowly and making an unexpected late-season push, the Lakers carried their forward momentum, launching them to the Western Conference Finals. Where the eventual champions, Denver Nuggets, swept them 4-0. One glaring issue throughout the Laker’s playoff run was their lack of depth, and their newest signings may be what puts them over the top.
Austin Reaves (guard), 25, was considered one of this off-season’s most valuable assets, averaging 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while playing a critical factor in the Laker’s post-season. Luckily, the Lakers managed to re-sign the undrafted guard to a four-year, $56 million contract.
D’Angelo Russell (guard), 27, agreed to a two-year, $37 million deal. Although he was a 2015 lottery pick and former all-star, Russell still hasn’t reached his ceiling, averaging 17.8 points and 6.2 assists last season.
Rui Hachimura (forward), 25, played an essential role in the Laker’s season’s turnaround, adding size and athleticism to the team. He averaged 12.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in the playoffs and was rewarded with his efforts, earning himself a three-year $51 million agreement.
Jarred Vanderbilt (forward) was re-signed to a $4.7 million deal adding a defensive mentality to the team. Gabe Vincent (guard) was a stellar piece to the Miami Heat’s championship run and will add firepower to the Lakers unit. Taurean Prince (forward), Jaxson Hayes (center), and Cam Reddish (forward) are all solid pieces that can contribute to a championship-contending team.
After getting demolished by the Nuggets, the poster boy of the NBA, Lebron Jame, hinted at his retirement and mentioned the Laker’s roster was “not set,” as numerous key players were free agents. General Manager Rob Pelinka said, “Keeping that continuity is going to be very important. It’s a high priority to keep our core players together.” The decorated King acknowledged the Laker’s moves, sharing his contentment by posting photos of the new signings to his social media.
With all the Laker’s new additions, they arguably have the best off-season so far. With this free agency, they have incorporated bench depth, versatility, defense, and scoring into the team. The already dangerous Los Angeles Lakers have just gotten scarier, and the league should be afraid.