The Los Angeles Lakers announced the signing of rookie Jordan Caroline on Saturday. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released. But after an impressive showing with the Lakers during NBA Summer League, Caroline has been added to a roster that now includes 18 players heading into training camp. An NBA team can bring up to 20 players into camp before trimming down to a maximum of 15 active players by opening night of the regular season.
After going undrafted this summer, Caroline earned his way onto the roster by performing at a high level for Los Angeles in Las Vegas. The 6-7 rookie averaged a team-best 16 points on 50% shooting from the field during 20 minutes of action per night. He also collected 3.5 rebounds per contest while demonstrating solid potential on the defensive end of the floor. If he were to make the opening night roster, he’d have to perform well enough during training camp to secure the team’s final guaranteed roster spot.
While it’s more likely that Rob Pelinka and the Lakers will keep that final roster spot open for a more experienced veteran who has proven the ability to help stretch the floor for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, there is a good chance that Caroline could land the second two-way player contract with the Lakers this season. Currently, Zach Norvell Jr. has been signed to one of those two-way player slots, with the second being potentially available for a player like Caroline.
During his senior season, Caroline averaged 17 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game while helping solidify Nevada as a powerhouse program on the collegiate level. He also shot 37% from three last season during 33 regular-season games as a starter. As a junior, he averaged 17.7 points and nine rebounds.
