2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
JaVale McGee: 1 year, $2.4 million (Los Angeles Lakers)
Sources: It’s a one-year, minimum deal to pry away the big man from Golden State. https://t.co/TU3NHrJ6Ri
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 2, 2018
Maybe the Los Angeles Lakers still find a way to bring Brook Lopez back, or maybe they miraculously clear a ton of cap space to woo DeMarcus Cousins, but as of right now, their starting center for 2018-19 is JaVale McGee. That is both hilarious and worrisome, especially since their first move after landing LeBron James was booking Lance Stephenson.
To be fair, McGee on a minimum deal still represents great value, and it’s impressive the Lakers were able to pry the two-time champion from the Golden State Warriors. Despite what his 4.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game averages in 2017-18 might indicate, he was a burst of energy off the bench and actually provided the Dubs with important minutes in the NBA Finals.
This clearly can’t be Plan A at center (and Ivica Zubac shouldn’t be either), so we’ll have to sit tight and see what Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have up their sleeves next. This should really only be a depth signing, but McGee is good value and at the very least, his mix with LeBron and Lance should make for high-quality comedy.
Bourguet Grade: B
Hoops Habit Grade: B