:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64663264/1074414762.jpg.0.jpg)
The Lakers have agreed to terms with their second free agent of the offseason, signing Jared Dudley to what appears to be a deal at the veteran’s minimum, as reported by Adrian Wojnarowksi of ESPN:
Dudley had a real impact on the Nets young roster a year ago, and really wanted the chance to play for the Lakers. He'll get a chance to impact on a roster that needs veterans capable of contributing in a pressure environment. https://t.co/hemklha12P
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2019
Congrats to @JaredDudley619 for agreeing to a 1-year contract with the @Lakers!
— Priority Sports (@PrioritySports) July 2, 2019
Dudley is a 12-year veteran who is coming off of a 3-year, $30 million deal originally signed with the Phoenix Suns. He is exactly the kind of player the Lakers were expected to target, a battle-tested playoff performer who was willing to settle for less money to compete for a championship in Los Angeles.
This is a homecoming of sorts for Dudley, who grew up in San Diego. He has played in this city before as a member of the Clippers, but injuries robbed him of a chance at making a meaningful impact during the Lob City era. He has only ever been a part of two playoff series wins, back when he played for the Phoenix Suns in 2009-10, a team that memorably lost to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. Dudley will now have a chance to hopefully experience real postseason success, and contribute off the bench for a Laker team lacking live bodies.
The former Brooklyn Net is a career 39.2% 3-point shooter who is universally respected throughout the league for his locker room presence and leadership. If he were a backcourt player, he would be the epitome of a ring-chaser for this Lakers squad. As it stands, he should still find minutes behind LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Kyle Kuzma at both forward spots.
Kuzma has already given Dudley a warm welcome, after the veteran copped one of Kuz’s moves on Twitter:
Welcome dudz @JaredDudley619 https://t.co/nJUkpq4Xlu
— kuz (@kylekuzma) July 2, 2019
This signing is a good indication that the front office is actively targeting minimum contracts to help fill out the roster, and another sign that the Lakers are committed to retaining all of their cap space for Kawhi Leonard. Even as they wait, the Lakers have made a smart addition to the roster, as Dudley should be a great fit for this team’s needs. Expect the team to continue to attempt similar moves as the league waits for Leonard’s decision.
For more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. Here is a list of every free agent credibly connected to the Lakers so far.