Former agent of Kobe Bryant, Rob Pelinka restored his image as president of the Lakers after the last “trade deadline”, and this night, he confirmed that he was able to aim just to improve the workforce of the Lakers. Maybe he was aiming for Bruce Brown but he largely consoled himself with two interesting takes: Gabe Vincent, holder with the Heat; Taurean Prince, valuable replacement at Wolves. He added Cam Reddish, whose name had been circulating at the Lakers for two years. Left free by the Blazers, the former Hawks and Knicks winger can prove himself in Los Angeles alongside experienced players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Another signing of the night, Rui Hachimura’s contract extension for 51 million dollars over three years. This does not put finances in the red, and the Japanese will be able to focus on basketball after a good half-season at the Lakers.
On standby for the Reaves-Russell pair
In the end, only Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell are left to extend. After this dense first evening, only the Pistons and Spurs can still break the bank to sign them, and the Lakers have apparently warned that they will match any offer for Reaves. For Russell, the market is very quiet. That’s why, in the end, they weren’t in a hurry that night, and rather in a waiting position with their titular backcourt.
No doubt it will still be necessary to sign an interior since Mo Bamba, left free, has not been replaced for the moment. Maybe the Lakers will offer him a new contract. It is rumored that they could do the same with Malik Beasleywhose last year of contract at $16.5 million was not activated.
2023 LAKERS OFF-SEASON
Extension : Rui Hachimura
Arrivals Taurean Prince (Wolves), Gabe Vincent (Heat), Cam Reddish (Blazers)
Departures Troy Brown (Wolves), Dennis Schroder (Raptors)
