The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason has been nothing short of spectacular.
According to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers signed “Killer Cam” Cameron Reddish (forward-guard, 201 cm, 98 kg) on Monday.
The Lakers signed Reddish to a two-year, $4.63 million contract. The contract includes a player option for the final year, and the Lakers locked him up at the minimum salary. With this signing, the Lakers solidified their perimeter depth. By signing him to the lowest salary, they’re adding depth to their swingman lineup.
Reddish played for the New York Knicks and Portland Trailblazers last season. In 40 games, he averaged 9.7 points (.446 .313 .853), 2.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1 steal in 24.8 minutes per game. Being traded after faltering somewhat in New York, he was guaranteed more opportunities in Portland. However, his overall performance was still disappointing. His future was also quite unclear.
However, when the trade market opened, it became known that the Lakers were interested. They needed a forward to back up LeBron James. The Lakers chose Reddish. While he didn’t live up to his name or expectations during his rookie contract, he’s still a young player and can be a scorer when needed. His steadying presence would solidify the perimeter.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski then reported that the Lakers also signed Jackson Hayes (center-forward, 213 cm, 100 kg). It’s a two-year deal with a player option for the final year. Given that the terms of the contract are unknown, it’s assumed to be a minimum salary deal, just like Reddish’s. With Reddish and Hayes at the lowest salaries, the Lakers have added depth inside and out.
Hayes spent last season with the New Orleans Pelicans. Like Reddish, he entered the NBA via the 2019 draft and was not signed to an extension prior to last season. He became a restricted free agent after the season, but didn’t receive much interest. This is because, unlike the previous season, he took a step back last season. This was due to a decrease in playing time.
He played in 47 games last season. He averaged 13 minutes, scoring five points (.551 .103 .699) and grabbing 2.8 rebounds. He played 20 minutes per game in 70 games in 2021-2022, but fell out of contention last season. Even with Zion Williamson out with an injury, he was unable to break into the main rotation. Eventually, he was called up by the Lakers this offseason after being expected to be released.
According to Turner, the Lakers brass are looking for Hayes to play a role similar to Dwight Howard’s role in the rotation as a backup center during the 2019-2020 season. Unlike back then, it’s believed that Davis is the backup center because he can rest or play with Hayes on occasion when Anthony Davis needs to be the starting center.
Meanwhile, the Lakers re-signed Austin Reeves (four years, $56 million), D’Angelo Russell (two years, $37 million), and Rui Hachimura (three years, $51 million) this summer. Reeves and Russell signed for less than their initial expectations, which helped keep the team afloat. Hachimura was also retained at the right price.메이저놀이터
Additionally, the Lakers quickly filled their bench from the outside, adding Gabe Vincent (three years, $34 million), Reddish, Torin Prince (one year, $4.5 million), and Hayes. It was a good use of the exception. All of these moves, starting with the Prince signing, happened in the span of two days, highlighting the quickness of Lakers management. The moves certainly accomplished their intended goals of strengthening the roster and preserving finances.