Although the Los Angeles Lakers had plenty of big things go wrong for them last season, they didn’t do themselves any favors by the signings they made last summer to give them help on the margins. Through a couple of free agent signings, the Lakers have made valuable ones that look much better than the ones they made a year ago at this time.
After agreeing to a minimum deal for sharpshooter Troy Daniels yesterday, the Lakers have reportedly come to terms with Brooklyn Nets veteran forward Jared Dudley, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Dudley, a 12-year veteran, was with the Brooklyn Nets last season as the team’s veteran but also a strong contributor off the bench. Dudley has transformed himself into a small ball center and has been a solid 3-point shooter for much of his career, shooting 39 percent over his career.
Dudley’s presence on the floor at center gave the Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid fits during the postseason but the Nets were eventually eliminated in five games.
Dudley’s experience and respect as a locker room leader also bodes well for the Lakers chemistry as they look to build a championship team around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
As Dudley signed to a minimum contract, it does not affect the cap space the Lakers currently have open as they hope to get a commitment from Kawhi Leonard to join their team.
