Who were the best additions for the Los Angeles Lakers?
It was an offseason of change for the Los Angeles Lakers as six rotation players all found new homes, and nine new players were all brought in.
Out are LeBron James, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, and Jaxson Hayes, all of whom played a significant role on the team in the regular season and the playoffs.
In are Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Kevon Looney, Jaden Hardy, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle and rookie Cameron Car, all viewed as better fits next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as the Lakers look to be more balanced while creating team depth.
After an offseason of changeover, who were the three best additions for the Lakers?
3. Cameron Carr
Drafted 24th overall out of Baylor, Carr showed his defense, athleticism, and shooting in summer league. Even as a rookie, he should get a number of opportunities due to his all-around skill and the team's need for athleticism on the wing.
While Thybulle and Williams are more seasoned players, Thybulle hasn't been a beacon of health and Williams hasn't been a good shooter in the NBA.
Carr will have to earn his minutes and keep defenses honest with his shot. If he does, he could find himself as a rotation staple this year and has an even higher ceiling for years to come.
2. Collin Sexton
The Lakers haven't had a true backup point guard since they acquired Luka Doncic. Gabe Vincent couldn't stay healthy, leaving the bench options as more stationary creators. They offset this by always having Luka, LeBron James, or Austin Reaves on the floor.
Now, they have a true point guard who can create for himself and others when Luka needs a rest. Without LeBron, and with the starting lineup lacking one less creator with LeBron gone, the bench needed a guy like Sexton to take the pressure off of Reaves and Luka.
Sexton will put pressure on the rim and is a very good three-point shooter, which should keep the offense flowing when Luka sits or allow the Lakers to stay in their offense if he plays alongside Luka and Reaves.
1. Walker Kessler
The Lakers paid a premium price in draft compensation and contract terms for Kessler, and he should be worth every penny for the team.
Assuming he can stay healthy, he is everything the team is looking for in a starting center next to Luka. He is going to set screens, roll to the basket, finish under the rim, and protect the rim on defense. Since acquiring Luka, the Lakers have been searching for a center with his abilities to pair with their superstar. They finally found him.
