6. Lakers add Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish
It was tough to predict what the Los Angeles Lakers would do this offseason. After making a stunningly deep playoff run, all the way to the Western Conference Finals, there was an argument to be made that the team should run it back along with one that could’ve also been made about making a big move. In other words, there was more than one clear direction that Los Angeles could’ve gone this offseason. After scouring the trade market, there was nothing that made a ton of sense for the Lakers.
Deciding to keep some flexibility heading to the season (at least that’s how it looks now), the Lakers decided to keep the core intact and instead retool the roster. That’s exactly what they did by adding a collection of talented players in free agency. The two moves that stick out most for the Lakers, though, are the signings of Gabe Vincent and, to a lesser extent, Cam Reddish.
The signing of Vincent makes excellent sense as it gives the Lakers insurance in the event that D’Angelo Russell struggles or the team finds a deal mid-season that makes sense in which they must part ways with him. He’s also a really good young player that still hasn’t hit his ceiling.
The Reddish gamble is a worthy one as well. He’s an extremely talented player that hasn’t hit his stride in the NBA yet. If he can with the Lakers, it’s a move that will pay huge dividends for this team.