The Los Angeles Lakers catch a break with an intriguing shooting guard who just became a free agent.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the only team in the NBA to not sign any free agents so far. They have kept their powder dry except to re-sign LeBron James and Max Christie while bringing in Dalton Knecht and Bronny James via the draft. They need to nail the rest of free agency and the trade market to have a chance to construct a championship-caliber roster around LeBron James.
Even though the Lakers don’t have the financial resources to make a big splash in free agency, some veterans could make a big impact on a team-friendly deal. Fortunately for Los Angeles, an ideal free agent just hit the market.
Ideal Lakers Fit Just Became Available in Free Agency
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, shooting guard Landry Shamet has cleared waivers to become an unrestricted free agent. Shamet was released by the Washington Wizards a few days ago for financial reasons. The Wizards didn’t want to pay him $11 million for next season, especially since they are in the early stages of a rebuild.
However, the 27-year-old sharpshooter is the exact type of player the Lakers need. He is a versatile and accurate three-point shooter, having made 38.4% of his threes on 4.9 attempts per game. He has enough ballhandling and playmaking skills to take advantage of defenders who are closing out on him.
At 6’4 and 190 lbs, Shamet is undersized to defend some shooting guards. But, he would have Anthony Davis to clean up after his defensive shortcomings.
The Lakers desperately need more shooting and off-ball movement. A shooting threat who can provide some spacing is an absolute must to fully optimize LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Shamet, with 53 postseason games and extensive NBA experience, fills that need perfectly.
