The Lakers got better this summer, but were forced to settle when their top free agent targets signed elsewhere.
In:
Lou Williams – FA signing
Brandon Bass – FA signing
Roy Hibbert – via trade
Out:
Carlos Boozer – (currently a FA)
Ronnie Price – (signed for Phoenix Suns)
Jordan Hill – (signed for Indiana Pacers)
Wayne Ellington – (signed for Brooklyn Nets)
Ed Davis – (signed for Portland Trailblazers)
Wesley Johnson – (signed for LA Clippers)
Vander Blue – (currently a FA)
Jeremy Lin – (signed for Charlotte Hornets)
Drafted:
D’Angelo Russell – 2nd overall
Larry Nance Jr. – 27th overall
Anthony Brown – 34th overall
Overview:
The Los Angeles Lakers had an exodus of sorts this summer, and that was a good thing. Aside from Jordan Hill and Ed Davis, the Lakers won’t miss the eight players who left via free agency. Carlos Boozer is a shell of the former All-Star he was, and Jeremy Lin didn’t fit well in the team’s system or in the city.
The Lakers lucked into the second pick, and to the surprise of some, took former Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell over former Duke big man Jahlil Okafor. Russell played okay during the Summer League, averaging 11.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. He shot just 37.7 percent from the field, and averaged 5.2 turnovers. The Lakers would rather Russell have played better in Vegas, but by no means should there be major concerns about Russell’s potential based on five summer league games.
Sure, there will be a debate whether Russell was the right choice over Okafor, but the pick makes sense — Russell has the potential to be the next great guard for the Lakers, and it comes right as Kobe Bryant enters what could be his last season. There will be growing pains this season, but the Lakers don’t have to start him, as Jordan Clarkson and Bryant will likely make up the starting backcourt when the season begins.
Signing Lou Williams, last year’s 6th man of the year, was a solid move. He’s instant offense off the bench, and can play both guard positions. His signing does create a bit of a jam with Nick Young on the roster, but with the trade rumors surrounding him this summer, Young figures to be farther down the rotation when the season starts than from a year ago. At three-years, $21 million, Williams’ contract is good value for the Lakers considering some of the money being thrown around this summer.
They gave up virtually nothing to acquire Roy Hibbert, who will be an upgrade at center over Jordan Hill. By how much is unclear — his numbers weren’t that down compared to the 2012-13 season, and almost identical to ’13-’14, but his dominate performances came far less last season than they have in the past. A change of scenery could be good though, and at just 28, he has time to recapture his old form. He has one year left on his current deal, but it’s a good deal for the Lakers. If he shines this season, they’ll have the cap space to pay him next season with Kobe Bryant’s contract expiring, and if he doesn’t, they aren’t cap tied to him beyond this upcoming season.
Brandon Bass is serviceable and hardworking, and at two-years, $6 million, is very affordable. He’s never one to excite, but he’s been pretty consistent as a 10 point, 5 rebound player off the bench, and that should continue this season.
The Lakers clearly got better, but their offseason can’t be called a success, not when LaMarcus Aldridge and (to a lesser extent) Kevin Love spurned them. The Lakers wanted to sign an All-Star player, but settled for Hibbert, who is kind of an All-Star when he’s at top form. Williams is a nice piece, and Bass is a solid rotation player, but Los Angeles has to feel disappointed by how things went overall (aside from taking Russell). Still, they have pieces to build off of, and they didn’t tie themselves down to big contracts that will limit them next summer.
Grade: B-
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