metric grades among 1K+ minute SGs this past year: Lonnie Walker was one of the NBA's worst defensive SGs last season, all in a Low Activity defensive role guarding nobody. The advanced metrics (which can be dubious) don't hold up to his reputation as a stopper. That defensive prowess is a point of contention. Defensively, I’m here to do what I do, whoever you want me to guard, whenever there’s time for me to make some stops, that’s what I’m here for.” Play the best I can, play the hardest I can, and let the games speak for themselves. “I’m here to do whatever I need to do in order for the team to win. “I see my skillset fitting in perfectly,” Walker said at his introductory press conference in Los Angeles. The 23-year-old made strides in his four years with the San Antonio Spurs but hasn't quite developed into the two-way, 3-and-D fiend he and the Lakers envision. There's more pressure on Walker IV than his fellow signees, as he garnered the taxpayer mid-level exception of $6.4 million, while every other signing took a minimum deal. Grades For Every Los Angeles Lakers Signing Watch NBA Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial) So, with the free agency dust mostly settled, it's finally time to hand out individual grades. The Lakers are in a holding pattern as they explore Russ deals and await the fate of Kevin Durant. LeBron James and Russell Westbrook are the only current Lakers who have experienced their 30th birthday.īarring any blockbusters, NBA activity will idle until training camp. Los Angeles has filled 16 of 17 roster spots, including promising undrafted prospects Cole Swider and Scotty Pippen Jr., both on two-way contracts. The Lakers have signed five free agents, each under the age of 30 - a stark contrast from their (unsuccessful) approach in 2021. As a result, the team opted for an inexpensive - and refreshing - youth movement. All rights reserved.The Los Angeles Lakers entered 2022 NBA Free Agency with half a roster to fill and almost zero resources with which to work. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information / Your California Privacy Rights are applicable to you. ^ Back to Top ^ © 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. "Obviously, in the middle of all that, is talent, but at the end of the day, it's a team sport and the team that's most together - selflessly putting themselves on the line for the greater good of the team - those are usually the teams that come out on top." Obviously, at our level, you have to be healthy you have to be in a good rhythm team-wise - all the guys have to be on the same page. ![]() "I think the togetherness and obviously, you need to execute and have a team full of guys who are willing to sacrifice their personal goals, their personal agendas, to align themselves with what the team goal is and that's to win the championship. "A coach I worked for always used to always say, 'The most together team will win,'" said Ham. He believes there are key ingredients that separate championship sides from teams that almost have what it takes. However, as Ham has learned, having the best players does not necessarily mean one will have a Championship team - like his 2004 Pistons or 2021 Bucks. "I think we added a lot of depth, a lot of guys that have skill, size and athleticism, so I look forward to all of that coming together." I think the sky is the limit for what we will be able to do. "Then, you think about the guys we added in Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes. We have leadership like LeBron James and Anthony Davis some of the talent we were able to bring back in Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell. ![]() Ham, speaking at the Basketball without Borders camp in South Africa recently, told ESPN: "Absolutely. They have moved proactively ahead of the new campaign, retaining key mid-season signings Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura, and re-signing shooting guard Austin Reaves, who has become increasingly important to the team. However, Ham, who replaced Frank Vogel ahead of the campaign, oversaw a turnaround in fortunes as they scraped into the playoffs, and then beat the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors on the way to a 4-0 Western Conference loss to the Denver Nuggets. ![]() The Lakers got last season off to a horrific start, going 0-5 and 2-10 in their first 12 games. JOHANNESBURG - Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham told ESPN that the Lakers finally have the depth to win another NBA Championship, admitting their roster was a touch shallow during their 2022-23 season. Lakers finally have NBA Championship depth - Darvin Ham ![]() You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser
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