Lakers Signing JaVale McGee, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Danny Green
By Michael Luciano
While the other team in the Staples Center was busy turning the NBA upside down, the Los Angeles Lakers made some under-the-radar moves to help bolster a depleted squad.
After they lost out on Kawhi Leonard and saw Paul George team up with him on the Clippers, the Lakers re-signed center JaVale McGee to a two-year, $8.2 million contract.
JaVale McGee has agreed to return to the Lakers, where he’ll likely start at center, league sources tell ESPN. It’s a two-year, $8.2 million deal, with a player option.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 6, 2019
The 31-year-old center had a career year in 2018-19, starting 62 games while posting a career-best average of 12 points per game in addition to 7.5 boards per game in just 22.3 minutes. He'll likely serve as the starting center.
The Lakers ranked near the bottom of the league in 3-point percentage despite the fact that LeBron James' style of play needs deadeye downtown shooters. In response to this, the Lakers added two of the best still left on the market.
Danny Green will sign a two-year, $30 million deal with the Lakers.
Free agent guard Danny Green will sign a two-year, $30M deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2019
After eight years in San Antonio, Green was dealt to the Toronto Raptors in the same move that sent Kawhi up north. The 3-and-D specialist averaged 10.3 points per game while knocking down 45% of his threes on 5.4 attempts per game.
Last, but not least, the Lakers brought back shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a two-year, $16 million deal.
The Lakers are expected to bring back Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a two year, $16 million deal, per league sources.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 6, 2019
A Klutch Sports client, KCP played in all 82 games last year for the Lakers, averaging 11.4 points per game on 43% shooting.
These signings may not be as massive as the Leonard move, but Rob Pelinka should be commended for bolstering this bare-bones roster with some veteran size and shooting.