Exploring how the Los Angeles Lakers have quietly won the NBA Free Agency with seven of the most underrated moves of the offseason.
After a disappointing showing in the Western Conference Finals at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, it was clear that the Los Angeles Lakers needed to beef up their supporting cast heading into the offseason. And if they weren’t going to add a star-level talent, they would have to emerge from the offseason with one of the deeper rosters in the Western Conference to realistically have a chance to compete with other contenders next season.
That’s exactly what the Lakers have accomplished through the first part of the offseason (after the NBA Draft and the first few days of NBA Free Agency). After making seven of the most underrated moves, the Lakers have quietly emerged with one of the deeper rosters in the West.
Let’s go through each of the big moves that the Lakers have made so far this offseason and explore how they will play an importance heading into next season.
The Los Angeles Lakers re-signed three key players
Austin Reaves (4 years, $56 million)
Heading into the offseason, there was little doubt that the Los Angeles Lakers needed to re-sign Austin Reaves. He developed into a key piece for the Lakers this past season and showed his worth for the team as they made a deep run in the NBA Playoffs.
Retaining him and signing him to a $56 million contract is a huge win for both sides. Reaves went from being a fringe NBA player to inking a contract that should deliver him generational wealth. As Reaves continues to improve as a player, he will give the Lakers a consistent offensive threat that will release pressure off of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
D’Angelo Russell (2 years, $37 million)
There were many questions revolving around whether D’Angelo Russell would be retained by the Lakers. In a vacuum, considering the team made a move at the NBA Trade Deadline for him, they almost had to bring him back. However, there was an outside chance that an upgrade at the position would arise and the Lakers always kept open to the possibility of moving on from Russell.
In the end, a two-year deal made sense for both sides. The Lakers aren’t married to Russell and nor is Russell to the Lakers.
Rui Hachimura (3 years, $51 million)
After acquiring Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards last season, the big question was whether he could be consistent enough to warrant another contract with the team. In the end, he was more good than bad for the Lakers. It resulted in him getting a three-year deal to remain with LA.
Hachimura certainly had his bright spots with the Lakers and had a marquee moment in the NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies. If he can continue to build off of last season, there’s no question Hachimura could emerge as a key contributor for the Lakers this season.