5. Los Angeles Lakers Bolster Depth
This one isn’t a single move, so much as it’s a series of moves. In the aggregate, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a quietly strong summer so far.
Every player they’ve signed so far this summer could make an impact in 2022-23. Thomas Bryant missed most of 2021-22 with an injury, but when healthy, he’s a floor-spacing big who provides some interior defense.
Lonnie Walker IV is a hyper-athletic two-guard who also provides floor-spacing. Questions about his defensive effort may have lowered his value on the market, but he’s an impact player. Meanwhile, Juan Tuscano-Anderson may have found himself squeezed out of the Warriors’ playoff rotation, but don’t mistake that for a lack of competency.
The Warriors are one of the deepest teams in the NBA. Tuscano-Anderson’s role decreased as the playoffs wore on, but he’s still an energetic combo forward who brings defensive intensity on a nightly basis.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND RUMORS: Trade Ideas To Save NBA Stars From Souring Situations
Troy Brown Jr. and Damian Jones will have opportunities to contribute as well. None of these moves fix the Lakers altogether, and they’ll be looking to make some more significant moves as the off-season wears on. Still, they’ve done well on the margins so far.