NBA free agency, 2023
Western side
Start with the Lakers because the Lakers are really, really trying.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Tremendous offseason thus far for the Lakers. This team only runs as far as Anthony Davis lets them, only superstar additions change that, but the Lakers created marvelous space in the regular season.
The Lakers blew open the offseason signing Gabe Vincent. Knocked many for a loop, assured us of Dame Lillard’s impending trade demand designs. The Lakers inked a settle-down guy at point guard, three-years and $33 million.
The team cut Malik Beasley and Mo Bamba before free agency hit, opening up room to acquire former Pelicans finisher Jaxson Hayes (a doofus) and ex-Hawk and Timberwolves swingman Taurean Prince at the minimum. Hayes has a player option for 2024-25.
Recognizing an NBA asset if there’s ever been one, the Lakers sent $37 million to D’Angelo Russell for two years of service. The 27-year old kvetched about his positional status with the Lakers during the postseason, but no player is better equipped to lead Los Angeles through 82 games before being asked to leave the family photo in the playoffs.
Securing the 27-year old’s prime is the correct pickup, Russell knows this club inside-out. Dennis Schröder’s defensive turn and defection to Toronto created a predicament the Lakers didn’t anticipate, Russell’s return is another mercenary call for a player who has been asked to perform in the placeholder role since his NBA entry.
The Lakers gave Austin Reaves a 15 percent trade kicker and the fourth year of his four-year, $54 million deal is a player option, doesn’t matter, it is a massive bargain if he continues to improve at his current rate. Three years at around $40 million for Reaves ages 25-through-28 is a steal.
