Lakers Begin Filling Out Roster After Missing on Kawhi Leonard

The Los Angeles Lakers missed out on Kawhi Leonard, so they immediately turned their attention to filling out a roster that had remained largely barren.

The first move came shortly after the Lakers were informed Leonard would be playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. In that deal, the Lakers signed Danny Green to a two-year, $30 million deal. Green, a 3-and-D specialist, was a key contributor for the Toronto Raptors during the 2019-20 season. The 32-year-old started 80 games and hit 45.5 percent of his 3-point attempts.

The Lakers also re-signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a two-year, $16 million deal. Like Green, Caldwell-Pope can hold his own on the defensive end, but the 26-year-old needs to iron out his shooting woes. He hit 34.7 percent of his 3-point attempts last season, though he did show excellent durability, playing in all 82 games for the Lakers.

Lastly, it looks like the Lakers will bring back JaVale McGee, as he has agreed to a two-year, $8.2 million deal. McGee will likely start at center, which will allow Anthony Davis to move to his preferred power forward spot.

McGee started 62 games for the Lakers last season and averaged a career-high 12.0 points per game. He also ranked 38th in the NBA with a 21.88 PER.

When you add these signings to the acquisitions of Jared Dudley and Troy Daniels, it’s clear the Lakers are attempting to surround LeBron James and Davis with shooters and defenders.

LA is still desperately in need of a point guard and a reunion with Rajon Rondo would seem to make the most sense right now.

UPDATE: The Lakers have added yet another shooter, signing Quinn Cook to a two-year deal: