Lakers sign Jordan Caroline to training camp deal

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Jordan Caroline to a deal, the team announced on Saturday. Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll reported Caroline signed an Exhibit 10 contract last month.

Despite going undrafted in last month’s draft, Caroline was one of the more impressive players at the Las Vegas Summer League showcase earlier this month. Through four games with the Lakers, Caroline averaged a team-high 16 points per game on 50 percent shooting from the field while averaging 20 minutes per game. Caroline also contributed 3.5 rebounds per game.

With the addition of Caroline, the Lakers’ roster stands at 18 players. They can go into training camp camp with a maximum of 20 players, but the roster has to be trimmed down to a minimum of 13 players by opening night.

If Caroline makes the regular season roster, he will fill the team’s final guaranteed roster spot. However, considering general manager Rob Pelinka has made it clear the Lakers plan on keeping their final roster spot open for trades and buyout free agents, it’s more likely that Caroline will be converted to a two-way player, which is possible under his Exhibit 10 deal. If Caroline is waived and signed by the team’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, Los Angeles will be able to offer him up to $50,000 more than any other team.

Caroline still has some room to grow on both ends of the floor before he can contribute to an NBA team, but the 23-year-old, 6’7” would be a fine use of the Lakers’ remaining two-way slot. Zach Norvell Jr. currently occupies the other two-way slot.

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