Los Angeles Lakers: Jonathan Holmes A Smart Signing

As a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, it seems like a sight to behold of the team’s new direction. Free agency and the trade market are no longer providing the pool of additions that they need for a quick turnaround. With the plethora of losses that’s come over the last two seasons, the Lakers have been acquiring solid pieces via the NBA Draft. Not only has the team found them in the lottery (Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell), but late round picks (Ryan Kelly, Jordan Clarkson) have given the team glimpses of hope as long-term producers.

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The other thing that the draft process provides for teams are thorough looks of players who slip through the undrafted cracks. Recently, the team was able to make a solid pickup of one of the 2015 NBA Draft candidates in Jonathan Holmes. The University of Texas senior worked out for the Lakers prior to the draft, and has since found himself with a chance to compete for one of their 15 roster spots.

Lakers brought in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Aaron Harrison, Jordan Mickey, Olivier Hanlan, Jonathan Holmes & Cady Lalanne for a workout today
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 8, 2015

According to REALGM’s Shams Charania, Holmes will join the team after a breakout Las Vegas Summer League:

"Undrafted forward Jonathan Holmes of Texas has reached agreement on a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, a league source told RealGM.Holmes’ deal with the Lakers includes a significant partial guarantee."

Holmes brings the Lakers a much-needed forward that could fill in depth at the three and spend some time as a stretch four. Standing at 6’9 with nearly a seven-foot wingspan, Holmes is the epitome of today’s NBA versatility.

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During his run with the Boston Celtics this summer, Holmes averaged 10 points and five rebounds per game on 48.1 percent shooting (46.4% from three-point range). With his ability to step outside and shoot while comfortably playing on the block, he gives you the kind of presence similar to Draymond Green. Like Green, Holmes can rotate all over the floor on defense. This may be the most valuable asset that could win him a spot on the team.

Adding Holmes to the Lakers is the ultimate low risk, high reward. His athleticism and flexibility could turn into a formidable weapon alongside their other dynamic playmakers. With a willing passer like D’Angelo Russell and an aggressive guard like Jordan Clarkson, Holmes can get plenty of opportunities on the floor. These opportunities could come in transition or from crashing the boards on both ends. According to DraftExpress.com, Holmes grabbed grab 3.5 offensive rebounds per 40 minutes pace adjusted, second among small forwards in our top 100 and 6.1 defensive rebounds per 40 minutes pace adjusted.

Unless he provides a herculean effort in camp and preseason, Holmes is likely to spend time with the Lakers D-League affiliate (Los Angeles Defenders). Considering the success of Jabari Brown and Jordan Clarkson, time spent there could certainly help him improve. The Lakers are looking to gain their competitive edge again, but their objective at this point is player development. For the first time in years, the team has plenty of young talent to nurture. If he plays like he did in Las Vegas, Holmes has a good chance of being in that crop.

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