The Los Angeles Lakers have possessed a deep and well-balanced team since they executed multiple trades ahead of the trade deadline.
They acquired forward Rui Hachimura in late January to address what was an utter lack of forward depth beyond LeBron James. Then came the blockbuster Russell Westbrook trade that brought back former All-Star point guard D’Angelo Russell, defensive standout Jarred Vanderbilt and sharpshooter Malik Beasley.
For good measure, Los Angeles landed backup center Mo Bamba for veteran guard Patrick Beverley.
However, some believed even with Bamba, a good shot-blocker and 3-point shooter, the Lakers lacked center depth.
To that end, the team signed veteran big man Tristan Thompson, as well as guard Shaquille Harrison, on Sunday.
The Lakers are signing two players today to add depth for the postseason, sources told ESPN. L.A. will sign guard Shaq Harrison, a defensive-minded point guard, and Tristan Thompson, a veteran center with playoff experience on LeBron James’ teams in Cleveland. Both players…
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 9, 2023
The Lakers have taken their time adding another center, but now they will have an additional one for the play-in tournament and, they hope, the playoffs.
Thompson should bolster L.A.'s center rotation
Thompson is an 11-year veteran who has suited up for five teams. Of course, he played his first nine seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, with whom he played four years with LeBron James.
During those four seasons, the Cavs reached the NBA Finals each year while winning their first world championship in 2016.
He hasn’t played an NBA game this season.
Thompson has career averages of 9 points and 8.4 rebounds a game. While he may not be a rim protector, at 6-foot-9 and 254 pounds he may be able to give the Lakers some defensive toughness in the middle when Anthony Davis is resting.
Thompson, who is 32, will add experience to what is suddenly a rather young Lakers squad.
Lakers are taking a flyer on Harrison
Harrison, 29, has played six seasons in the NBA. Even though he stands 6-foot-4 and weighs less than 200 pounds, he is known for his defensive prowess.
He spent time with the G League’s South Bay Lakers this season, and head coach Darvin Ham praised his playmaking skills.
Ham on one of LAL’s roster moves: “Shaquille Harrison can score, play-make and guard multiple positions; he’s played real NBA minutes and we saw opportunity if anything should happen health wise that we can throw right into the mix.” Also familiar w/system thx to @SouthBayLakers.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 9, 2023
Harrison isn’t a good shooter. He has hit only 43.5% of his shots overall and 28.1% of his 3-point attempts, so one should expect him to get only spot duty as a defensive pressure point.
