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Lakers News: Former LA Finals Foe Applauds Team’s Free Agent Moves

LA has really upgraded their roster!

Matt Levine

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One of the more active teams at the start of the trade deadline was your Los Angeles Lakers. General Manager Rob Pelinka and company came out of the gates swinging and didn't miss a beat. They upgraded the roster with smart, valued signings and now have put the team into position to win banner number 18 next season. 

The team agreed to deals with forward Taurean Prince, guard Gabe Vincent, forward Cam Reddish, center Jackson Hayes and they resigning forward Rui Hachimura. Pelinka said that this offseason would be about continuity and added around the edges and the team has done exactly that. Former Boston Celtic center and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins gave his thoughts on free agency for LA so far.

Perkins is absolutely right because the Lakers are one of the clear winners of this free agency period, even at this early of a stage. 

Getting Prince on their bi-annual exception for under $5 million is a steal. He can shoot the ball extremely well from the three point line and is an above average defender, with the ability to take on different assignments.

Vincent gives the Lakers an upgraded version of Dennis Schröder in a way and he is a hounding defender that is capable of taking on opposing point guards on the perimeter. 

Reddish hasn't lived up to the hype so far in his career but maybe the Lakers can tap into something there. And Jackson Hayes is uber athletic and can give the Lakers a nice rim runner for a depth piece.

LA still can bring back Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell as well, plus another veteran minimum guy so this team looks like a true contender.

Pelinka has done his job and surrounded LeBron James and Anthony Davis with a very versatile roster that can compete with anyone in the league. Now they just need to mesh together and show results on court.

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Matt Levine
MATT LEVINE

Matt earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University in 2021. He was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, covering all Southern California sports in his career.

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