Former Los Angeles Lakers Player Signs With New Team

This recent Lakers player has reportedly joined a new team
Mar 19, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (right) blocks a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward Wenyen Gabriel  in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (right) blocks a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward Wenyen Gabriel in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It was reported on Wednesday by Eurohoops that former Los Angeles Lakers forward Wenyen Gabriel had signed a contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Playing five games for the Memphis Grizzlies last season after playing a career-high 68 games for the Lakers the year prior, Gabriel will continue his professional career with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Per Eurohoops, Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach Oded Kattash said of Gabriel, "Gabriel has NBA experience, with diverse abilities and a lot of upside. He’s a player who occupies the five position and can also play outside, knows how to finish near the rim, and has a defensive presence. He will help us and give us a lot of energy. I am sure that the connection to the audience will be quick and that the fans will enjoy him a lot."

Gabriel also made a statement, per Eurohoops, saying, "I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to join such a historic organization. I can no longer wait to bring my passion to Tel Aviv and the EuroLeague and meet the famous fan base. I can say that I feel at home wearing the yellow jersey."

Appearing in 150 NBA games across five seasons (87 with the Lakers), Gabriel has been unable to carve out a consistent role at the NBA level, but should get an extended opportunity on his new club.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.