Bryant, who is the face of the franchise for the last 19 years, is about to enter his 20th and most likely his final season. Johnson has been signed by Boston Celtics for a two-year, $24 million deal. The move was a bit surprising considering the Lakers still have Nick Young, who signed a four-year, $21.5 million contract last year.
Advertisement
That explains why Williams’ arrival could give the Lakers a few insurance in either trading Young or absorbing any possible inconsistency next season. Under the convoluted rules of the National Basteball Association cap, Toronto now has about $8 million left to spend.
Collectively, Williams has averaged 11.9 points, and has made 34.1 percent of his 3-point attempts in 10 National Basteball Association seasons representing Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks and Raptors. But they’ve added a few reasonable pieces this summer-Russell, Hibbert, and Williams all make sense for different reasons moving forward.
Gasol, also a free agent, hasn’t negotiated with teams other than the Grizzlies, but has yet to confirm he’s reached agreement on a new deal with the club.
Lou Williams will join the Lakers. The three players should have no problem fitting in on a very young Lakers team. The National Basteball Association is in its annual moratorium, preventing most contracts and all trades from being executed until July 9.
Heading into free agency, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and company had high hopes of signing LaMarcus Aldridge or DeAndre Jordan.
The Lakers were reportedly interested in unloading a few players to clear the space for Hibbert.
Jackson first arrived to Detroit after a three-team trade which involved the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz at the trade dealdine.
Advertisement
After starting just 13 of 50 games for Oklahoma City during the recently concluded season, Jackson started all 27 games he played for Detroit. He also averaged 2.1 assists.
