2022-23 NBA season Western Conference finalists, Los Angeles Lakers have moved swiftly at this year’s off-season. Just one week into the free agency, the team has made as many as six acquisitions. On Thursday, the purple and gold made the sign-ins officials via social media. And they have released an official list of the players who have joined the Purple and the Gold army. But surprisingly, the team has not added D’Angelo Russell’s name to the list. Why is that? We’ll find that out soon. But before that, let us take a look at all the new joinees for the Los Angeles Lakers this season.
Gabe Vincent
Former Miami Heat point guard Gabe Vincent signed a three-year $33 million deal with the Lakers. Vincent was brought in to replace Dennis Schroder, who left to join the Raptors. The PG made 22 playoff appearances for the Miami Heat, where he averaged 12.7 points with a three-point shooting average of 12.7 points. On the other hand, Gabe, on his part, has promised to bring versatility to this starry group.
Jaxson Hayes
Lakers locked in New Orleans Pelicans’ rookie Jaxson Hayes in a minimum of a two-year contract. The 23-year-old power forward is added in to fill up the roster spot for now. Moreover, he is only the second center on the roster after Anthony Davis. In his short NBA career, the center has made headlines with his impressive shot-blocking abilities. Hence, the purple and gold seemed to have signed him in a bid to strengthen their defense.
Taurean Prince
Former Minnesota Timberwolves forward Taurean Prince signed with the Lakers for a one-year $4.5 million contract. Again, his guarding and shot-blocking abilities have earned him this contract. Moreover, last season with Minnesota, Prince averaged 9.1 points, with a three-point shooting percentage of .381. Prince has selected jersey number 12 for himself.
Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves‘ contract extension was the most awaited announcement. As expected, he signed a four-year deal for $56 million. While he seems a little overpriced, the Lakers have gone the extra mile to secure him from competitors. His performance in the latter half of the season made him a fan favorite and the most reliable guard. Not only that, Reaves became a regular starter for the team in the playoffs, which shows how successful his first official season with the Lakers panned out. Hence, Reaves most certainly, deserves the money being poured on him.
Rui Hachimura
After Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura became the most expensive acquisition of the Lakers. Hachimura was locked in for a three-year, $51 million contract. The power forward played a significant role in lifting the team to the playoffs last season. He was traded in February and averaged 12.2 points in playoffs. Moreover, Rui’s intention and loyalty towards the club earned him this gigantic contract. While describing his short stint with the team, Hachimura called it “the best time of life.”
Cam Reddish
Last but not least, the Trail Blazers shooting guard, Cam Reddish, signed a two-year contract with the Lakers. The further details of the contract were not revealed. But the contract value is rumored to be the bare minimum. Cam has been previously linked to the team on numerous occasions. But this time, the team made up their mind. Last season, he averaged 11.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 44.3% from the field and 31.8% from 3-point range in 20 games. While he has hopped around to numerous teams in the past, the Lakers roster will suit him the best.
Apart from this, D’Angelo Russell’s name was not found anywhere. He, too, has rumored to have agreed on a two-year, $37 million agreement with the Lakers. However, he is out of town right now. As per the guard’s social media activity, he is on vacation in Croatia. Hence, he is expected to sign once that rendevous is over. Overall, the roster looks strong for now. The team is still likely to make a couple of more sign-ins to fill up the remaining roster spots.