Silver Screen and Roll - Who will the Lakers sign in free agency?A Blog devoted to Lakers News, Commentary, and Analysishttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/13178/silver-fave.jpg2020-12-14T12:47:51-08:00http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/rss/stream/212834952020-12-14T12:47:51-08:002020-12-14T12:47:51-08:00Everyone the Lakers signed (and cut) in training camp so far
<figure>
<img alt="Lakers All Access Practice" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rlAVkyM8CFsOKzd7FqO294d9ywk=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67993560/1191012054.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Lakers training camp starts on Dec. 1, and we’ll be keeping track of the entire roster here.</p> <p id="C0Z9cm">The <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com">Los Angeles Lakers</a> and the rest of the NBA are set to begin training camp this week on Dec. 1, but the purple and gold — like many teams — aren’t quite done with their roster just yet.</p>
<p id="GDosHw">NBA teams can bring up to 20 players into their training camp, and have to cut their roster down to a maximum of 15 players (or minimum of 13) by the end of it, not counting the pair of two-way contracts each team is allowed to have. </p>
<p id="u1wi5D">Below, we will be keeping track of which players are in camp with the Lakers, and what their contract status is. But first, a brief explainer on each type of deal.</p>
<ul>
<li id="vcms7Y">
<strong>Guaranteed contract</strong> — Exactly what it sounds like. A fully guaranteed deal that would count against the Lakers’ cap number, even if the player is cut.</li>
<li id="nVbuow">
<strong>Non-guaranteed contrac</strong>t — Again, exactly what it sounds like. A contract that is not fully guaranteed to pay out, and only counts against the cap for as long as the player is with the team (or for as much money as they had guaranteed. Quinn Cook, for example, is still on the Lakers’ books for <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/27/21721817/nba-rumors-quinn-cook-lakers-salary-stretched-more-cap-room-free-agency">$1 million of his $3 million partially guaranteed deal</a>).</li>
<li id="s2MSQp">
<strong>Two-way contract</strong> — In normal years, a contract that allows a player to spend up to 45 <strong>days</strong> with their NBA team on a prorated NBA salary, and the rest of their time in the G League. This year, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, two-way players can play up to 50 <strong>games</strong> with their parent team, and are paid just short of $500,000 regardless. Two-way contracts don’t count against the maximum of 15 guaranteed deals during the season, but they do count towards the 20-player training camp maximum.</li>
<li id="B841ML">
<strong>Exhibit 10 contract</strong> — According to Larry Coon’s invaluable <a href="http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q83"><strong>CBA FAQ</strong></a>, an Exhibit 10 contract is able to be converted into a two-way contract, and is also a means for teams to provide a bonus that ranges “from $5,000 to $50,000 if the player is waived by his NBA team, signs with the G-League, is assigned to the NBA team’s G-League affiliate, and stays there at least 60 days.”</li>
<li id="6a0EWc">
<strong>Camp Deal or Training Camp Invite</strong> — Basically an invitation to participate in training camp with a small chance to make the team or compete for a spot in the G League. Non-guaranteed.</li>
</ul>
<p id="H796II">Now, without further ado, let’s go through the roster, which we will keep updated as it develops.</p>
<h3 id="CFyEVM"><strong>Lakers Training Camp Roster</strong></h3>
<ol>
<li id="jJPCQE">LeBron James — Guaranteed contract</li>
<li id="ZQYnix">Anthony Davis — Guaranteed contract</li>
<li id="dPO54k">Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — Guaranteed contract</li>
<li id="TN5f1s">Marc Gasol — Guaranteed contract</li>
<li id="9xhq4f">Wesley Matthews — Guaranteed contract</li>
<li id="5GjxMo">Dennis Schröder — Guaranteed contract</li>
<li id="cja7vU">Montrezl Harrell — Guaranteed contract</li>
<li id="uI9CmS">Alex Caruso — Guaranteed contract</li>
<li id="Ayoqv3">Kyle Kuzma — Guaranteed contract</li>
<li id="fIdkSR">Markieff Morris — Guaranteed contract</li>
<li id="MjgJ5b">Jared Dudley — Guaranteed contract</li>
<li id="CiUEmv">Talen Horton-Tucker — Guaranteed contract</li>
<li id="xll4Ui">Alfonzo McKinnie — <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/22/21590816/lakers-trade-rumors-javale-mcgee-alfonzo-mckinnie-jordan-bell-marc-gasol">Guaranteed contract</a>
</li>
<li id="xO5NEW">Quinn Cook — <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/7/22158235/lakers-news-quinn-cook-reportedly-signs-non-guaranteed-training-camp-contract-cap-details">Non-guaranteed camp deal</a>
</li>
<li id="IOdcJW">Devontae Cacok — Two-way contract</li>
<li id="e4RqxY">Kostas Antetokounmpo — Two-way contract</li>
</ol>
<p id="ghyTUV">The Lakers cut the following three players <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/e/21938909">on Dec. 14.</a></p>
<ol>
<li id="bVqAOn">Tres Tinkle — <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/20/21587968/nba-rumors-lakers-free-agency-tres-tinkle-exhibit-10-contract-nba-draft">Exhibit 10 contract (non-guaranteed)</a> </li>
<li id="z9GQvE">Zavier Simpson — <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/18/21574769/lakers-rumors-sign-zavier-simpson-michigan-rob-pelinka-2020-nba-draft">Unknown, likely Exhibit 10 contract or camp deal</a>
</li>
<li id="DtjGMX">Kevon Harris — <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/25/21720917/lakers-free-agency-news-kevon-harris-training-camp-contract-details-stats-highlights-scouting-report">Unknown, likely Exhibit 10 contract or camp deal</a>
</li>
</ol>
<p id="GewbuZ">The Lakers only have enough room under the hard cap for one more guaranteed veteran’s minimum contract — which will likely end up being Cook, at least to start — and as such will <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/1/21808349/lakers-final-roster-needs-analysis-best-free-agents-available-nba-rumors">likely have to wait until after the buyout deadline to add a final, 15th guaranteed contract.</a></p>
<p id="Nbq9LU"><em><strong>For more </strong></em><a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/"><em><strong>Lakers</strong></em></a><em><strong> talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on </strong></em><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fsilver-screen-roll-for-los-angeles-lakers-fans%2Fid1439479212%3Fmt%3D2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><em><strong>iTunes</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2XJK0kM4pR2uUy7WDmAybb?si=WZwWClvKRZeHeSTnuxdYrw"><em><strong>Spotify</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/vox/silver-screen-and-rollcast"><em><strong>Stitcher</strong></em></a><em><strong> or </strong></em><a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS9zaWx2ZXItc2NyZWVuLXJvbGw%3D"><em><strong>Google Podcasts</strong></em></a><em><strong>. You can follow Harrison on Twitter at </strong></em><a href="https://twitter.com/hmfaigen"><em><strong>@hmfaigen</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/28/21723924/nba-rumors-lakers-training-camp-free-agency-signings-roster-spotsHarrison Faigen2020-12-12T18:03:17-08:002020-12-12T18:03:17-08:00The Lakers may be a bit shorthanded during training camp
<figure>
<img alt="LA Clippers v Los Angeles Lakers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2bvQIpd1INPOBXrWT5Xw0PQ3g34=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68503558/1230075761.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Why did Kyle Kuzma play 38 minutes for the Lakers in a preseason game? It’s complicated.</p> <p id="mtC0f7">Normally, the NBA preseason is a time for every player on a team’s roster to get at least a few minutes as coaching staffs give chances for younger or less established players to make an impression while veterans shake the rust off, warm up their legs and get used to a new system. </p>
<p id="eSvP92">On Friday, in the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com">Lakers</a>’ first preseason game, the Lakers played nine players, which is a shorter rotation than head coach Frank Vogel played in <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2020-nba-finals-heat-vs-lakers.html">four of the six games of the 2020 NBA Finals</a> (Games 1, 2, 3 and 6), and exactly how many he played in the other two (Games 4 and 5). Kyle Kuzma, a player who actually figures to be in the rotation for the Lakers this year, played 38 minutes on Friday in a meaningless exhibition. For contrast, the Clippers played 18 of the 20 players on their roster.</p>
<p id="rDtxZY">This is not a criticism of Vogel, as he’s playing the hand he’s been dealt, and the players he has available. The Lakers opted to rest five veterans who they’ll need to lean on this season during the short turnaround — LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Marc Gasol, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Markieff Morris — as well as a sixth, Jared Dudley. Alfonzo McKinnie also missed the game, and has yet to report to training camp as a result of what the team has only called an “excused absence.” Alex Caruso played, but left the game after nine minutes <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/12/22171502/alex-caruso-lakers-injury-update-preseason-clippers-game">with a hip flexor strain</a> that will also force him out of the team’s second preseason game on Sunday. </p>
<p id="nFjj7n">That makes eight of the Lakers’ 14 NBA players that were out or limited (not including their pair of two-way contracts, Devontae Cacok and Kostas Antetetokounmpo, who played). Seven players of those players just plain sat out. Teams can technically sign 15 NBA contracts and bring 20 players to training camp (including two-way players or camp deals for the final five spots) but the Lakers could only sign 14 NBA contracts until the midseason buyout deadline as a result of the hard cap (<a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/1/21808349/lakers-final-roster-needs-analysis-best-free-agents-available-nba-rumors">more on that here</a>).</p>
<p id="IrqK41">Seven of those 16 players just sitting out while an eighth was limited by injury is how Kuzma ended up playing so much, and how sophomore guard Talen Horton-Tucker got 37 minutes while Montrezl Harrell — another veteran forward that will likely play an even bigger role than Kuzma will — played 31 minutes. After the game, Vogel thanked Kuzma and Horton-Tucker for stepping up.</p>
<p id="asByDW">“It’s difficult to have such a short training camp and play such big minutes like (Talen) and Kuzma did, so credit to those guys for being in really good shape and carrying some of the load for us early in camp here,” Vogel said.</p>
<p id="1xface">Earlier in the week, after the team’s Dec. 6 training camp practice, though, Vogel may have inadvertently revealed why them doing so was necessary.</p>
<p id="FL8AxL">“We don’t have our Exhibit 10 guys,” Vogel said. “We’re very much more shorthanded than we would have been this time last year, and we’ve just got to make the best of it. This is what everybody league-wide is encountering, and we’re adapting, and we’re going to make the best of it.”</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="LA Clippers v Los Angeles Lakers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sBPcr2C8_hNF7fwGtq4SNzl4nDk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22165592/1230075681.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Frank Vogel was thankful he had Kyle Kuzma to help carry the load for the Lakers during the league’s exhibition slate, during which each team was <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/27/21723169/nba-releases-lakers-preseason-schedule-clippers-suns-dates" target="_blank">forced to schedule at least two games</a> (the Lakers chose to play the maximum of four).</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="AdrIAn">According to Larry Coon’s invaluable <a href="http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q83">CBA FAQ</a>, an Exhibit 10 contract is able to be converted into a two-way contract, and is also a means for teams to provide a bonus that ranges “from $5,000 to $50,000 if the player is waived by his NBA team, signs with the G-League, is assigned to the NBA team’s G-League affiliate, and stays there at least 60 days.”</p>
<p id="frO9SP">The “Exhibit 10 guys” that Vogel is referring to are likely some combination of Michigan point guard Zavier Simpson — who Shams Charania of The Athletic <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/18/21574769/lakers-rumors-sign-zavier-simpson-michigan-rob-pelinka-2020-nba-draft">reported the Lakers had signed to an undrafted free agent deal</a> — Stephen F. Austin State shooting Kevon Harris — who <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/25/21720917/lakers-free-agency-news-kevon-harris-training-camp-contract-details-stats-highlights-scouting-report">confirmed a report that the Lakers had signed him for training camp on his own Twitter account</a> — and undrafted <a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com">Oregon State</a> forward Tres Tinkle — who Jeff Goodman of Stadium reported had signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the team, <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/20/21587968/nba-rumors-lakers-free-agency-tres-tinkle-exhibit-10-contract-nba-draft">a report his father confirmed to a local radio broadcaster</a>. </p>
<p id="vqBYuz"><strong>Update:</strong> After this story was originally published, there was another report that Kevin Harris had signed tonight. He would still (possibly) have to clear some protocols before joining the team, so it's not clear how quickly he could be available to play.</p>
<div id="nPj0KL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kevon Harris signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angels Lakers tonight, his agent Billy Davis tells me.</p>— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenStinar/status/1337926690216042496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="2uFGWl">Despite all that confirmation, though, the Lakers still have yet to officially announced any of these signings, which means they haven’t officially gone all the way through, no matter what has or hasn’t been agreed to. As Vogel volunteered, it’s left the Lakers short on bodies in camp, even if a Lakers spokesperson said on Saturday that the team had no comment on those reported signings.</p>
<p id="EE3wih">So what’s the hold up that’s left the Lakers shorthanded? It’s actually pretty easy to put two and two together. <a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2020/12/heat-lakers-among-teams-likely-to-bypass-g-league-bubble.html">JD Shaw of Hoops Rumors</a> was first to report that the Lakers “are among the teams that have indicated plans of not participating” in the G League Bubble <a href="https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2020/12/11/22168433/which-teams-are-reportedly-in-and-out-of-the-proposed-g-league-bubble">that’s currently being proposed</a>, and given that the primary benefit to signing Exhibit 10 contracts is to earmark such players for an organization’s G League team, the Lakers may have gotten cold feet and/or be giving those players the opportunity to seek a better opening elsewhere, where they could catch on with a G League roster that will go to that bubble. They may also just want to minimize the amount of people in the facility to keep the risk of virus transmission lower. </p>
<p id="kGBJFD">Whatever the case may be, though, it’s clearly left the Lakers a few bodies short in practice and in games so far during training camp. They probably have enough young guys that want opportunities to make it work anyway, but it’s just another challenge for the team to deal with as they look to get through the shortest turnaround in NBA history unscathed.</p>
<p id="zXTXTh"><em><strong>For more </strong></em><a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/"><em><strong>Lakers</strong></em></a><em><strong> talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on </strong></em><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fsilver-screen-roll-for-los-angeles-lakers-fans%2Fid1439479212%3Fmt%3D2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><em><strong>iTunes</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2XJK0kM4pR2uUy7WDmAybb?si=WZwWClvKRZeHeSTnuxdYrw"><em><strong>Spotify</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/vox/silver-screen-and-rollcast"><em><strong>Stitcher</strong></em></a><em><strong> or </strong></em><a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS9zaWx2ZXItc2NyZWVuLXJvbGw%3D"><em><strong>Google Podcasts</strong></em></a><em><strong>. You can follow Harrison on Twitter at </strong></em><a href="https://twitter.com/hmfaigen"><em><strong>@hmfaigen</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/12/22171832/lakers-training-camp-roster-rumors-shorthanded-exhibit-10-players-not-signedHarrison Faigen2020-12-10T17:32:52-08:002020-12-10T17:32:52-08:00Marc Gasol says Pau should focus on health before deciding on Lakers return
<figure>
<img alt="NBA Africa Game 2015 Practice" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5f4XuSo3iV1A1eilcTFAM-M29X0=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68494525/482531928.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Lakers center Marc Gasol says his brother Pau has been working hard to get healthy after over a year away from the basketball court, but he hasn’t seen him play yet.</p> <p id="fIOxDj">Former <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com">Lakers</a> center Pau Gasol admitted in an ESPN interview on Wednesday that <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/9/22166097/lakers-pau-gasol-wants-to-come-back-los-angeles-play-with-brother-marc-espn-report">he’d love to return to the team where he won two championships</a>, and play with his brother, Marc Gasol, for the first time in the NBA. </p>
<p id="OVsjAl">Marc has<a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/25/21721054/lakers-rumors-pau-gasol-would-love-to-return-marc-gasol-teammates"> previously echoed that sentiment</a>, but when asked about Pau’s comments after the team’s training camp practice on Thursday, he said there were more important things than the two of them teaming up in Los Angeles.</p>
<p id="ak6A9C">“First and foremost, Pau has to be healthy and has to continue to stay healthy throughout the process of rehabbing. Building that endurance and continued impact on his foot, on his bone is going to be crucial. The only way to know about it is through playing, so I think he has to find a way to play a little bit, to see how his body reacts to that,” Marc said, referencing the foot issues that ended Gasol’s last two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively.</p>
<p id="SAftwW">“I think that should be the main focus right now instead of where he’s going to play. More important is his health and how he feels, and how his body reacts to the workload.”</p>
<p id="62NdKl">That might seem like a fairly tepid response to the idea of becoming one of the few sets of brothers to ever play together in the NBA, but Marc seems to have heavier subjects on his mind.</p>
<p id="iBZsW2">“In the past year and a half, yes I’ve seen Pau, and not on the basketball court, obviously,” Marc said. “As a brother, I haven’t had the chance to see my niece (<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/pau-gasol-wife-cat-gasol-name-newborn-daughter-after-gianna-bryant/">Pau’s newborn daughter</a>) yet, so hopefully I get to see my niece soon and get to meet her. With the situation we’re in now, everything is pretty limited, so it is what it is. </p>
<p id="iFNzYs">“I haven’t seen Pau in a while, but it’s going to be okay,” Marc continued. “He’s been rehabbing the whole time. I know he’s very dedicated to it, and it means a lot to him to get this right, but it’s not the end of the world if that’s not the case.”</p>
<p id="NuC2bE">Marc is probably right about that last part. Pau has always seemed to have enough other interests and humanitarian missions that he could walk away from basketball and just fine, but if he can get healthy for one last run, it would be incredibly cool to see him get some form of last hurrah with the Lakers. He seems to want it, and even if Marc seems determined to not raise expectations for his older brother, <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/1/21794388/lakers-free-agency-lebron-james-pau-gasol-marc-roster-training-camp">LeBron James appears to like the idea too</a>, which certainly can’t hurt. Like they would for their <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/10/22167554/lakers-rumors-trevor-ariza-free-agency-nba-buyout-thunder-contract-rob-pelinka">rumored interest in Trevor Ariza</a>, the Lakers would have to cut someone or wait until the buyout deadline, but a return for Pau at least appears on the table.</p>
<p id="GkxvHk">Still, Marc is correct that there are more important things in the world right now than whether or not Pau can play another professional season, and it sounds like he’s just trying to focus on controlling what he can control. Whether Pau is with him or not, and however the Lakers decide to use him, Marc wants to be ready.</p>
<p id="SdouWt">“As far as my role, I think it’s going to be fluid, it’s going to depend on how things evolve as a team and what’s needed,” Marc said. “I’m very open to whatever coach and the team needs from me. I’m always going to try to do the task in front of me as best as possible, and I’m going to put everything I have into it. That’s the guarantee I can give you.”</p>
<p id="X0oyfl"><em><strong>For more </strong></em><a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/"><em><strong>Lakers</strong></em></a><em><strong> talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on </strong></em><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fsilver-screen-roll-for-los-angeles-lakers-fans%2Fid1439479212%3Fmt%3D2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><em><strong>iTunes</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2XJK0kM4pR2uUy7WDmAybb?si=WZwWClvKRZeHeSTnuxdYrw"><em><strong>Spotify</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/vox/silver-screen-and-rollcast"><em><strong>Stitcher</strong></em></a><em><strong> or </strong></em><a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS9zaWx2ZXItc2NyZWVuLXJvbGw%3D"><em><strong>Google Podcasts</strong></em></a><em><strong>. You can follow Harrison on Twitter at </strong></em><a href="https://twitter.com/hmfaigen"><em><strong>@hmfaigen</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/10/22168554/pau-gasol-lakers-rumors-marc-gasol-return-lebron-james-free-agencyHarrison Faigen2020-12-10T08:46:00-08:002020-12-10T08:46:00-08:00Report: Lakers are ‘monitoring’ to see if Trevor Ariza gets bought out
<figure>
<img alt="NBA Finals Game 5: Los Angeles Lakers v Orlando Magic" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/buhqSfEdAmwnDb-SxZK8N5R1g5c=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68491071/88488511.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Elsa/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Lakers may want to bring back Trevor Ariza to do something he didn’t get a chance to do in 2009: Help them defend an NBA title.</p> <p id="WvkBrx">Trevor Ariza will always be linked to the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com">Lakers</a> because of the title he was instrumental to helping them win during the 2009 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-playoffs">NBA playoffs</a>, but it’s not just nostalgia that’s connecting him to the team. Over the last several years since Rob Pelinka — Ariza’s former agent — joined the front office, the Lakers have clearly been trying to bring Ariza home.</p>
<p id="WwJzwN">In 2018, the Lakers <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2018/12/9/18133603/la-lakers-nba-trade-rumors-trevor-ariza-kentavious-caldwell-pope-phoenix-suns">tried to work a three-team trade</a> with the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Phoenix Suns</a> that would have involved Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and brought Ariza back to Los Angeles. Talks got substantive enough that <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2018/12/11/18136802/nba-trade-rumors-trevor-ariza-kentavious-caldwell-pope-sixers-bucks-suns">executives around the league were saying it was done</a> before eventually falling apart because the Lakers (understandably) <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2018/12/16/18143271/lakers-trevor-ariza-nba-trade-rumors-phoenix-fell-apart-wouldnt-include-young-core">would not include any members of their young core.</a> </p>
<p id="thwBGw">Ariza still wanted to be a Laker even after that, but Suns owner Robert Sarver reportedly <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2018/12/15/18141946/nba-rumors-trevor-ariza-trade-lakers-phoenix-suns-washington-wizards-news-woj-espn">didn’t want to let the deal happen because of how much he got laughed at</a> for the Tyson Chandler buyout that initially gave the Lakers such a boost that season (no, seriously, that was the actual reason). Ariza was eventually dealt to the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com">Washington Wizards</a>, where the Lakers <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2019/2/5/18212704/nba-trade-rumors-lakers-trevor-ariza-wizards-nba-news-buyout-contract-deal">continued to try and solicit a trade for him</a> at the deadline, to no avail.</p>
<p id="MFf2Zp">Ariza is two years older now, but it would seem that time still hasn’t cooled Pelinka’s interest. <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2250903%2F2020%2F12%2F10%2Fjames-harden-trade-talk-add-heat-bucks-to-sixers-nets%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.silverscreenandroll.com%2F2020%2F12%2F10%2F22167554%2Flakers-rumors-trevor-ariza-free-agency-nba-buyout-thunder-contract-rob-pelinka" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">According to Shams Charania of The Athletic</a>, Los Angeles may try to bring Ariza home if he’s bought out by the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="opBz89">The Lakers are monitoring Oklahoma City’s Trevor Ariza should he become free, sources say. As of now, both Ariza and George Hill are expected to begin the season on the Thunder roster. There is also interest in Hill’s services around the league.</p></blockquote>
<p id="lElTv9">As of right now, the Lakers <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/28/21723924/nba-rumors-lakers-training-camp-free-agency-signings-roster-spots">don’t have enough room under the hard cap</a> to sign Ariza to even a veteran’s minimum contract, but there are two things that could change that. </p>
<ol>
<li id="hnSO1E">The Lakers and Ariza’s camp could wait things out until closer to the buyout deadline, when Los Angeles will have enough room to sign the prorated veteran’s minimum for their last roster spot.</li>
<li id="bYVBOt">The Lakers could cut Quinn Cook and <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/7/22158235/lakers-news-quinn-cook-reportedly-signs-non-guaranteed-training-camp-contract-cap-details">his currently non-guaranteed, camp deal</a> for the second time this offseason, should Ariza become available sooner rather than later.</li>
</ol>
<p id="tVx6vk">Ariza may not be what he once was, but he shot 40% from three and put up a positive defensive box plus-minus after landing with the <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com">Portland Trail Blazers</a> at the deadline last season, and would at least provide the Lakers one more big body on the wing with proven defensive smarts. Even if he’s not as solid on that end as he used to be, in a more limited role for a Lakers team without much in the way of big wing defenders in the regular season — until LeBron James and Anthony Davis can take on more of that burden if necessary in the playoffs — he could at the bare minimum play a role as a valuable innings eater.</p>
<p id="V6WnhE">All this is moot until the Thunder actually buy Ariza out, but the Lakers’ interest in him makes sense, and explains why Cook seems to be more of a placeholder signing rather than someone the Lakers are planning to keep all season. We’ll see what happens, but this might be the time the Lakers finally bring Ariza back home and consummate their long-held interest in a reunion. </p>
<p id="7JzKfD">And hey, if they <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/9/22166097/lakers-pau-gasol-wants-to-come-back-los-angeles-play-with-brother-marc-espn-report">bring Pau Gasol back at some point too</a>, this will just be a fun nostalgia trip in addition to a title defense. </p>
<p id="mEKUmY"><em><strong>For more </strong></em><a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/"><em><strong>Lakers</strong></em></a><em><strong> talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on </strong></em><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fsilver-screen-roll-for-los-angeles-lakers-fans%2Fid1439479212%3Fmt%3D2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><em><strong>iTunes</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2XJK0kM4pR2uUy7WDmAybb?si=WZwWClvKRZeHeSTnuxdYrw"><em><strong>Spotify</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/vox/silver-screen-and-rollcast"><em><strong>Stitcher</strong></em></a><em><strong> or </strong></em><a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS9zaWx2ZXItc2NyZWVuLXJvbGw%3D"><em><strong>Google Podcasts</strong></em></a><em><strong>. You can follow Harrison on Twitter at </strong></em><a href="https://twitter.com/hmfaigen"><em><strong>@hmfaigen</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/10/22167554/lakers-rumors-trevor-ariza-free-agency-nba-buyout-thunder-contract-rob-pelinkaHarrison Faigen2020-12-04T16:17:17-08:002020-12-04T16:17:17-08:00The Lakers have re-signed Quinn Cook after previously cutting him
<figure>
<img alt="2020 NBA Finals - Miami Heat v Los Angeles Lakers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fqP1OtGhsZkVhz4cpzI2XhDr4ts=/1x0:4504x3002/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68460269/1229171920.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Quinn Cook is back with the Lakers just a few weeks after they cut him to save money.</p> <p id="wYWg2l">The first move the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com">Los Angeles Lakers</a> made to clear salary ahead of free agency this offseason was to <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/19/21575747/lakers-rumors-cutting-quinn-cook-contract-nba-free-agency">cut Quinn Cook and his partially guaranteed contract</a>, but during a recent appearance on “The Road Trippin” podcast, LeBron James said he hoped the team would bring Cook back.</p>
<p id="3VQ4CV">“Quinn, he’s a pro, he’s definitely going to get a look,” <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30432718/calm-confident-lebron-james-says-los-angeles-lakers-absolutely-repeat-2021?platform=amp&__twitter_impression=true&s=09">James said then.</a> “Hopefully back with us. ... Hopefully we may bring him back.”</p>
<p id="IXIRGb">Well, the King got his wish, as the <a href="https://twitter.com/hmfaigen/status/1335011282873794563">Lakers announced in a press release</a> on Friday that Cook is back with the team he grew up rooting for.</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="SHalCN">The Los Angeles Lakers have re-signed guard Quinn Cook, it was announced today by Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released.</p>
<p id="63e8rM">Cook played in 44 games (one start) for the Lakers last season, averaging 5.1 points (.425 FG%), 1.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 11.5 minutes. In 165 career games (29 starts) for Dallas, New Orleans, Golden State and Los Angeles, Cook has tallied 6.8 points (.463 FG%, .407 3FG%), 1.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 15.1 minutes. He has appeared in 40 playoff games, averaging 4.1 points (.429 FG%) and 1.1 rebounds.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="FjV0Fb">Cook brings the Lakers’ training camp roster <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/28/21723924/nba-rumors-lakers-training-camp-free-agency-signings-roster-spots">to 19 players and 14 guaranteed contracts</a>, which is <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/1/21808349/lakers-final-roster-needs-analysis-best-free-agents-available-nba-rumors">(functionally) the most they can have for cap reasons</a>. This likely wraps up their offseason moves, at least for now.</p>
<p id="3N7cWf">The Lakers were originally (reportedly) <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/27/21721817/nba-rumors-quinn-cook-lakers-salary-stretched-more-cap-room-free-agency">planning to stretch Cook’s salary</a>, which would explain why they cut him. Because they ultimately didn’t, they can bring him back, and functionally saved themselves around $400k in salary under the hard cap, while Cook will take about a $300K haircut off his guaranteed money to come back:</p>
<div id="ISuliS">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cook was on the books at $3 mil - they cut him with $1 mil guaranteed. They're re-signing him at the min, so his cap hit will be $1.6 mil - so $2.6 mil on the cap to Cook instead of $3 mil. He'll earn $1 mil + $1,737,145 = $2,737,145 total - so almost the original $</p>— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricPincus/status/1335013517900931074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="w09WIv">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I haven't seen Cook's contract, it was just announced, so don't know if it's fully guaranteed or no. If it is, worth noting that roster construction isn't 100% based on maximizing every single second of on-court productivity. Some players just make a team better by being there</p>— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricPincus/status/1335013836273766401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="ySbYZH">Cook was a huge part of the Lakers’ vaunted chemistry last season, and he can shoot the hell out of the ball. With the addition of Dennis Schröder as another point guard who can handle the ball and guard bigger players, he also might serve more utility than he could last year, when the Lakers’ only real ball-handler was LeBron. If Cook gets a look with bench lineups now, he might be able to serve a bit more purpose and fit better than he could before now that he won’t ever (barring injury) have to handle the ball and serve as a floor general.</p>
<p id="ORSsXz">But — and this might be the key — we also know Cook won’t grouse if he falls out of the rotation, an important quality for an end-of-bench player who just so happens to also be basically best friends with everyone on the team. This may be a slightly unexpected re-signing, but perhaps it shouldn’t be, given James’ advocacy for Cook. And hey, we already know he can fit in on a Lakers contender. Now he just has to do it again.</p>
<p id="XmdJyP"><em><strong>This story may update with more information as it develops. For more </strong></em><a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/"><em><strong>Lakers</strong></em></a><em><strong> talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on </strong></em><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fsilver-screen-roll-for-los-angeles-lakers-fans%2Fid1439479212%3Fmt%3D2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><em><strong>iTunes</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2XJK0kM4pR2uUy7WDmAybb?si=WZwWClvKRZeHeSTnuxdYrw"><em><strong>Spotify</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/vox/silver-screen-and-rollcast"><em><strong>Stitcher</strong></em></a><em><strong> or </strong></em><a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS9zaWx2ZXItc2NyZWVuLXJvbGw%3D"><em><strong>Google Podcasts</strong></em></a><em><strong>. You can follow Harrison on Twitter at </strong></em><a href="https://twitter.com/hmfaigen"><em><strong>@hmfaigen</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
<p id="d1u0ph"></p>
<p id="XV6GPz"></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/4/22154476/lakers-rumors-quinn-cook-free-agency-signing-contract-cutHarrison Faigen2020-12-03T18:15:41-08:002020-12-03T18:15:41-08:00Podcast: What LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ commitments mean for the Lakers moving forward
<figure>
<img alt="2020 NBA Finals - Los Angeles Lakers v Miami Heat" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/o6hjxUN19stiYkX89fto2j8PK5Y=/28x236:2422x1832/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68452849/1229036172.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>LeBron James and Anthony Davis sticking around for the next several years is the best way this Lakers offseason could have ended.</p> <p id="snhsUt">Anthony Davis and LeBron James are both officially set to wear purple and gold until at least 2023, which means it’s officially a good day to be a fan of the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com">Los Angeles Lakers</a>.</p>
<p id="ZzFmlY">In this episode of “The 30” — a podcast by Silver Screen and Roll — co-hosts Christian Rivas and Jas Kang kicked things off by breaking down what <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/3/22150601/lakers-news-anthony-davis-officially-signs-max-contract-analysis">Davis’ five-year extension worth up to $190 million</a> means for the Lakers in the short term, as well as after LeBron James hangs up his Nikes for the last time (presuming he is a mortal being capable of aging, of course). </p>
<p id="etVWIb">Following that discussion, the guys got into what Kyle Kuzma’s future with the team looks like, and if he will be around for the foreseeable future. Could it make sense for the Lakers <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/3/22150927/lakers-why-kyle-kuzma-needs-rookie-contract-extension-2021-cap-space-breakdown">to sign him to an extension?</a></p>
<p id="0SECuR">Then, after the break, Christian and Jas discussed how the NBA will navigate the challenges of playing a season during the pandemic, and how it will impact the league as a whole before wrapping things up by sharing who they think will be the eight Western Conference playoff teams, and where the Lakers will finish in the regular season standings.</p>
<p id="HeKhjw"><em><strong>You can listen to the entire episode in the player embedded below, and to make sure you don’t miss a single one moving forward, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on </strong></em><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fsilver-screen-roll-for-los-angeles-lakers-fans%2Fid1439479212%3Fmt%3D2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><em><strong>iTunes</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2XJK0kM4pR2uUy7WDmAybb?si=WZwWClvKRZeHeSTnuxdYrw"><em><strong>Spotify</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/vox/silver-screen-and-rollcast"><em><strong>Stitcher</strong></em></a><em><strong> or </strong></em><a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS9zaWx2ZXItc2NyZWVuLXJvbGw%3D"><em><strong>Google Podcasts</strong></em></a><em><strong>. </strong></em></p>
<div id="VVUJpG"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP9881507032" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div>
<p id="T5UouD"><em><strong>You can follow Christian on Twitter at </strong></em><a href="https://twitter.com/RadRivas"><em><strong>@RadRivas</strong></em></a><em><strong>, and Jas at </strong></em><a href="https://twitter.com/jaskang21"><em><strong>@jaskang21</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
<p id="22Zakz"></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/3/22151623/lakers-lebron-james-anthony-davis-extensions-contracts-signing-free-agencySB Nation NBA News2020-12-03T17:49:40-08:002020-12-03T17:49:40-08:00Anthony Davis signed with the Lakers for five years because he never wanted to go anywhere else
<figure>
<img alt="2020 NBA Finals - Los Angeles Lakers v Miami Heat" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wtljFAceE7WIeqjSGXkvsLCyn1M=/1x0:4740x3159/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68452744/1229020150.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Anthony Davis never really considered leaving the Lakers. He loved his first year with the organization too much.</p> <p id="i3X9az">Anthony Davis remaining a Laker this offseason has seemed like a foregone conclusion from basically the moment the team acquired him in a trade during the summer of 2019, but the team made it official on Thursday, <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/3/22150601/lakers-news-anthony-davis-officially-signs-max-contract-analysis">inking Davis to a five-year, $190 million contract.</a></p>
<p id="PkszkW">In his first interview since signing the deal, <a href="https://twitter.com/SpectrumSN/status/1334652856066920448">Davis confirmed to Chris McGee of Spectrum SportsNet</a> that he was never going anywhere.</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="kmqffY">“I just wanted to take the process one day at a time. Obviously winning the championship with L.A. was very great. The team Rob (Pelinka) put together, and Jeanie (Buss) put together, and Linda (Rambis) and all the people in the front office was amazing, and we did something special. Especially with everything going on in 2020. </p>
<p id="Quimbc">“I don’t think there was a doubt that I was gonna come back, it was just trying to figure out the logistics and what was best for me and my family, and I was able to get a deal done today. So I’m excited about that, and excited for what Dudz calls ‘the Big 3,’ with him, myself and ‘Bron, so it’s gonna be a great time. We’ve got another great task ahead of us, the team is looking great, guys have been working out, so I’m excited.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="9TyVAo">But while Davis remaining in L.A. wasn’t shocking in any way, how long he signed for is. Most expected him to sign a short-term deal and hit free agency again either next summer — when LeBron James could have entered free agency before he <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/3/22151447/lebron-james-contract-extension-lakers-free-agency-rumors">signed a two-year, $85 extension of his own on Thursday</a> — or the summer after, when Davis would have had 10 years of experience and could have been eligible for a max contract worth 35% of the cap, instead of the 30% he got in this deal. </p>
<p id="fEHc1q">So why didn’t Davis wait? He told McGee the answer is pretty simple.</p>
<blockquote><p id="1tGywV">“L.A. is the place I wanted to be. They do a great job... of just putting the team together. It’s the place I wanted to be, where I love to be. I’m out here during the summers and now living out here full-time for the next five years. So I thought it was just a great thing to go five years and be here in the place that I love, and (I) don’t plan on going anywhere. So why not maximize it the most at this opportunity?”</p></blockquote>
<p id="EDG8eY">The reason for the above ellipsis? Davis was interrupted by his “agent” mid-answer.</p>
<div id="4yde22">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watch out, Rich Paul: Anthony Davis has a new agent (his daughter) and her interrupting his Zoom interview with <a href="https://twitter.com/geeter3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@geeter3</a> is the most adorable moment of the offseason. <a href="https://t.co/YBAbjm0h36">pic.twitter.com/YBAbjm0h36</a></p>— Harrison Film Room (@hmfaigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/hmfaigen/status/1334660593832218624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="m1bB4s">Ah, the perils of doing work calls from home. We’ve all been there at this point of the pandemic, right?</p>
<p id="ewKGv8">Davis also said that James’ extension wasn’t important to his decision, either, even claiming (somewhat dubiously) that he had no idea about it until it was reported on Wednesday, and as if to illustrate that alleged lack of knowledge, he even mixed up the numbers on James’ deal, shortchanging him by almost $40 million.</p>
<blockquote><p id="7amoSf">“To be honest, I didn’t know what LeBron had going on. I didn’t know he was signing the deal. Rich doesn’t involve me with LeBron’s contract business. I found out the day everyone else found out that he was signing for two (years) $48 (million), I mean two for $85 (million), sorry ‘Bron (laughs).”</p></blockquote>
<p id="4DbHmk">He added that he wasn’t surprised that LeBron would join him in committing to the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com">Lakers</a> for longer, though.</p>
<blockquote><p id="lz1Jpl">“I wasn’t (surprised). I know he still loves the game, and he’s ready to continue playing basketball for the Laker organization, obviously talking about being able to play basketball with his son, and I wasn’t surprised by the extension. After doing something special like that with a great group of guys, it’s hard to leave L.A. Nation.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="xNo3PG">And with those two together, the Lakers are hoping it will be difficult for either of them to want out for the foreseeable future. </p>
<p id="xJws0u">Davis also shared some thoughts on a few other topics in his interview with McGee, which we’ll get to below.</p>
<div id="SRIcRG">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Spoke with <a href="https://twitter.com/AntDavis23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AntDavis23</a> today after the great news ... check it <a href="https://t.co/SJ0nU4ZPt4">https://t.co/SJ0nU4ZPt4</a></p>— Chris Geeter McGee (@geeter3) <a href="https://twitter.com/geeter3/status/1334653523884036096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h3 id="G297W1"><strong>On the new players the Lakers brought in</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="OK7J3l">“I think Dennis (Schröder) surprised me the most. Just from the fact that I didn’t expect for it to happen. You hear rumors and things like that, but you don’t really get involved because you don’t know what’s real and what’s not. And when I saw that trade go through I was like “Wow, we really just got Dennis Schroder.” Somebody that is tough on the defensive end, great offensively, scrappy. The same way we played last year, he fits right into that mold. </p>
<p id="UHI9Yh">“You lose a lot of guys... We wish ‘Do, DG, QC, Dwight, ‘Vale, AB, luck with their respective teams, and without those guys we wouldn’t have been able to win a championship, for sure. But we added some guys to take on their roles, and I think we did really good.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="zsyRbk">Davis is the first player I’ve ever heard call JaVale McGee simply “Vale,” but more notable is that he clearly really likes the Lakers’ offseason moves, and one is left to wonder if they’re part of what gave him the confidence to commit for longer than anyone predicted. Especially the addition of Schröder, whose talents he <a href="https://lakersoutsiders.com/2020/11/16/anthony-davis-dennis-schroder-trade-lakers/">obviously appreciates</a>.</p>
<h3 id="aB0g8l"><strong>On what he did during the Lakers’ short break after winning the championship</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="Rzl3wY">“Took a couple of vacations. Kind of just let my body heal. But not much. We didn’t really have much time, like you said we starting next week, a couple weeks, getting right back afterwards. The most I did was kinda just chill at home, get some time to see my family again, as you see, the little one came in here, I love spending time with her. But just trying to get ready for next season. It’s going to be a shorter season with a quick turnaround for us, but I’m ready to get going.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="sAapsd">That’s good news, because it sounds like workouts will <a href="https://twitter.com/JaredDudley619/status/1334656638330916865">begin in full on Sunday.</a></p>
<h3 id="C9XeCH"><strong>On how motivated he is for this season</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="SGppvL">“I’m very motivated. I want to do it again. When we won the Western Conference Finals, LeBron said ‘Just wait until you win a championship and you hold that trophy.’ Your love for winning just grows, and ever since holding that trophy I just want to do it again. You want to hold that trophy over and over and over, you get addicted to winning. </p>
<p id="Hae3mc">“I want that feeling again I want to be able to hold that Larry O’Brien trophy again, and become a meme again where I’m crying and people are using it for everything (laughs). But that was a good meme! I’m ready to get started again and I’m ready to get with this group of guys and get back to work to be able to hoist one of those trophies again.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="FLCEXS">This just adds fuel to the fire of Jared Dudley’s theory that Davis is going to <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/3/22151223/anthony-davis-chase-mvp-lakers-re-sign-contract">gun for his first MVP award this year,</a> but it sounds like that’s not his main focus. Repeating as champions is, which should be music to the ears of any Lakers fans who haven’t been totally overwhelmed by all the good news Davis has given them over the past 24 hours. </p>
<p id="wwvCvs">Because last summer, AD was just <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUV6UIGJCUQ">on the way.</a> Now, he’s here to stay, and that’s a beautiful thing for this franchise.</p>
<p id="x0BJSr"><em><strong>For more </strong></em><a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/"><em><strong>Lakers</strong></em></a><em><strong> talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on </strong></em><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fsilver-screen-roll-for-los-angeles-lakers-fans%2Fid1439479212%3Fmt%3D2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><em><strong>iTunes</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2XJK0kM4pR2uUy7WDmAybb?si=WZwWClvKRZeHeSTnuxdYrw"><em><strong>Spotify</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/vox/silver-screen-and-rollcast"><em><strong>Stitcher</strong></em></a><em><strong> or </strong></em><a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS9zaWx2ZXItc2NyZWVuLXJvbGw%3D"><em><strong>Google Podcasts</strong></em></a><em><strong>. You can follow Harrison on Twitter at </strong></em><a href="https://twitter.com/hmfaigen"><em><strong>@hmfaigen</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/3/22151579/anthony-davis-signed-five-year-contract-lakers-never-wanted-leave-lebron-jamesHarrison Faigen2020-12-03T16:22:32-08:002020-12-03T16:22:32-08:00The Lakers have officially extended LeBron James, and the future is bright in Los Angeles
<figure>
<img alt="2020 NBA Finals - Los Angeles Lakers v Miami Heat" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ozTfLu_3rn4oI8KF5dn5UjQC2oA=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68452419/1229035921.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>LeBron James will remain with the Lakers until (at least) 2023.</p> <p id="Q0bdfa">We already knew this was in the works after word leaked out yesterday, but the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com">Lakers</a> just made things official. The team announced in a press release on Thursday that <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-finals">NBA Finals</a> MVP LeBron James has signed an extension with the team. The team did not disclose the length or amount of money on the contract, but it is <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/2/22077044/lakers-rumors-lebron-james-two-year-extension">reportedly a two-year, $85 million extension.</a></p>
<p id="4rDswv">Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is (understandably) excited about this news, as it’s the first player the Lakers have signed that he’s made a comment on in the statement announcing the move this entire offseason:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="Y2egox">“LeBron James is a transcendent basketball player, and human being,” said Pelinka. “LeBron put his trust in the Lakers in 2018, and now this contract extension paves the way for LeBron to further solidify his legacy as an all-time Lakers great. We could not be more honored by this commitment.”</p>
<p id="wq8RcG">James appeared in 67 games (all starts) last season, averaging 25.3 points (49.3 FG%), a career-best and league-leading 10.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 34.6 minutes per game. One of six players in NBA history to average 25 points and 10 assists in a single season, James earned a league-record 13<sup>th</sup> All-NBA First Team selection, while being selected as an NBA All-Star for the 16<sup>th</sup> time in his career. Additionally, he moved to third on the league’s all-time points list and eighth on the all-time assists list, while becoming the first player to record a triple-double against all 30 current NBA franchises. </p>
<p id="Nu2ZPD">The NBA’s all-time leader in playoff wins, James started in all 21 of the Lakers postseason games last season, recording 27.6 points (.560 FG%), 10.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 1.2 steals en route to his fourth NBA Finals MVP award. He became the first player to win Finals MVP with three different franchises and joined Michael Jordan as the only players to be named Finals MVP and regular season MVP on four separate occasions. </p>
</blockquote>
<p id="FiLebw">As Pelinka mentions, James coming aboard in 2018 singularly altered the trajectory of this franchise. Yes, Pelinka, Jeanie Buss (and to some degree, Magic Johnson) laid the groundwork for the Lakers to become a franchise that was appealing enough to land James because no, despite what your least favorite bloggers on NBA Twitter will tell you, it was not “jUsT mOvIeS aNd WeAtHeR” that led him here. Still, the Lakers would not be where they are without James’ commitment. Not even close.</p>
<p id="v2dkww">In the Lakers, James had a franchise that was a true partner, not an ownership group to try and leverage or fight with, and James used the promise of that influence and partnership as a lure for Anthony Davis. Together, they could run this team, and they’ve rewarded the Lakers for working with them with one title in one try together. Now they’re rewarding them again with dual commitments to the team <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/3/22150601/lakers-news-anthony-davis-officially-signs-max-contract-analysis">becoming official within minutes of one another.</a></p>
<p id="YEjpyx">That’s the trust and commitment Pelinka is referring to, qualities that are exemplified by this decision. James has not signed an extension since his rookie contract with the Cavaliers. During his second stint in Cleveland, he only signed short-term deals. His first contract with the Lakers was longer than any deal he signed with the Cavs, and now he’s seen enough to know he wants to be here even longer. This franchise makes its stars feel taken care of and like true partners, and James and Davis both signing long-term deals is an endorsement of this ownership group and front office’s approach, and a signal to the next generation of stars about what team they should go to if they really want to win.</p>
<p id="CmvWvQ">But those next free agent coups are a concern for another day. For now, with James and Anthony Davis in uniform through at least 2023, the Lakers have their stars. The future has rarely looked brighter in Los Angeles than it does right now, and much of that is a credit to James, and what he’s helped the Lakers build.</p>
<p id="EZtsQX"><em><strong>For more </strong></em><a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/"><em><strong>Lakers</strong></em></a><em><strong> talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on </strong></em><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fsilver-screen-roll-for-los-angeles-lakers-fans%2Fid1439479212%3Fmt%3D2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><em><strong>iTunes</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2XJK0kM4pR2uUy7WDmAybb?si=WZwWClvKRZeHeSTnuxdYrw"><em><strong>Spotify</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/vox/silver-screen-and-rollcast"><em><strong>Stitcher</strong></em></a><em><strong> or </strong></em><a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS9zaWx2ZXItc2NyZWVuLXJvbGw%3D"><em><strong>Google Podcasts</strong></em></a><em><strong>. You can follow Harrison on Twitter at </strong></em><a href="https://twitter.com/hmfaigen"><em><strong>@hmfaigen</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/12/3/22151447/lebron-james-contract-extension-lakers-free-agency-rumorsHarrison Faigen