NBA: Grading the notable moves from the first day of free agency
Lakers bolster their bench with minimum contracts
Grade: A
After losing Alex Caruso to Chicago and having little cap room to work with, the Los Angeles Lakers have pivoted nicely. So far, they have signed four free agents to minimum deals: Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington, Dwight Howard, and Kent Bazemore.
Ariza showed some signs of decline at age 36 last year, but can definitely help this Lakers team. He shot 35 percent from 3 last year for Miami and can space the floor for Westbrook and LeBron.
Ellington falls under the same umbrella. Another capable shooter at 42.2 percent from 3, he can fill the role of recently-trade Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Howard has already won a championship with this core and is back for round two. The Lakers needed a reliable backup center after trading Harrell and Howard was as good of an option as anyone.
Bazemore is the most intriguing out of all. He turned down more money and years to bet on himself with the Lakers and should earn a larger role for them. He may project as a starter for next season, a role he performed well in with the Warriors at the end of last season. For the Lakers to get him on a minimum deal was a wonderful move.