The Los Angeles Lakers had a fall from grace last season. They were the champions in the NBA bubble and only made the playoffs through the play-in tournament. They made moves last offseason which were meant to make them better but it appears that the chemistry on the court was lacking in the 2020-21 season.
On top of that, the Lakers had injuries to their two main stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis which cost them valuable games that they could have won. On top of that Dennis Schroder was injured at the same time as James meaning their two premier ball-handlers were out for crucial periods at the end of the season.
The Lakers have reloaded again this season and will be trying to win the title once more. The team has a very veteran feel about it now with a few exceptions. So, let’s take a look at who they signed on during this free agency period.
Los Angeles Lakers NBA free agency move No. 1: Talen Horton-Tucker
The Lakers re-signed Horton-Tucker this free agency period to a three-year, $30.8 million deal which is a good reward for a player taken with the 46th pick in the 2019 NBA draft. He has shown flashes of offensive brilliance during his times with the Lakers.
However, this feels a little bit like a signing which will make more sense when LeBron James hangs up the sneakers. He showed at points throughout last season that he was not ready to lead this franchise on the floor but very few third-year, second-round picks are ready for that yet.
Grade: B+