The Lakers had an awful start to the season. They lost 10 out of their first twelve games. Who could have thought this team would fight for a top-six finish after the end of the regular season? The answer is straightforward. Nobody could have imagined the Lakers turning things around the way they have. The team was struggling with injury concerns and balance in the roster. The team was lacking in a lot of positions. The Lakers were in dire need of reinforcements. Finally, the front office was able to get the players who could change their luck right before the February trade deadline was over.
In February, the players who came in were Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba, and so on. In exchange, the team got rid of Russell Westbrook and a few more first and second-round picks for the following seasons. Now the team looks balanced and ready to strike as they gradually rise to the top six. The Lakers are still 7th seed, but if they are able to maintain their three-match winning streak in the remaining four games, then they might be in the playoffs directly. And clearly, the credit goes to these new additions who helped the Lakers squad lead the race. But what about their future? Will they stay in LA or find a new way somewhere else?
The Six Key New Entries Of February Trades Who Can Stay For Long
The fans cannot deny the fact that the Lakers changed for the better after the February trades. The team has had issues with injuries to key players like Anthony Davis since last December. Later, LeBron James was unavailable for a month with an issue of a tendon tear in his right foot.
That is when these new entries played crucial roles along with the players of the caliber of Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves. The following six players will be helpful to the Lakers in the future as well. Hence, the front office should give a good look at their contracts and start thinking about extending them. Below is the list of the new Lakers addition who can likely get extension after the end of the 22-23 NBA Season.
- D’Angelo Russell – The point guard is 27 years old and has been spectacular for the Lakers. He started his professional career with the Purple and gold brigade. He has been averaging 17.1 points per game, 6.3 assists per game, and 3.0 rebounds per game. D’Lo is eligible for a two-year extension that would be a $67.5 million extension. The Lakers will need to extend it before June 30. Otherwise, he will be an unrestricted free agent.
- Jarred Vanderbilt – The 24-year-old power forward is averaging 7.2 points per game, 6.9 rebounds per game, and 1.7 assists per game. Jarred has got a $4.7 million contract with the Lakers. He will get $300,000 in the next season. September 7 onwards, Vanderbilt will be eligible for a $71 million extension for a four-year contract.
- Malik Beasley – The 26-year-old shooting guard is averaging 10.7 points per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, and 1.1 assists per game. Beasley has got a $16.5 million contract till next season. He will be eligible for a $35.5 million extension for two years.
- Rui Hachimura – The 25-year-old power forward is averaging 9.6 points per game, 4.7 rebounds per game, and 0.6 assists per game. Rui can have a one-year extension for $7.7 million till June 29. If extended, Hachimura might become a free agent.
- Mo Bamba – The 24-year-old center is averaging 4.4 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, and 0.6 assists per game. The Lakers have time till June 29 to extend his nonguaranteed contract worth $10.3 million.
- Davon Reed – The 27-year-old shooting guard is averaging 1.1 points per game, 0.6 rebounds per game, and 0.6 assists per game. The Lakers have time till July 8 to extend his nonguaranteed contract worth $2.1 million.
