Kendrick Nunn signed with the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday. The two sides agreed to a two-year contract worth $10 million, or $5 million per season. This contract ties him down through the 2023 season, but he does have a player option.
Kendrick Nunn signs with the Los Angeles Lakers
Over his two-year NBA career, Nunn has played for the Miami Heat. He has put up 15 points and three assists per game for his career. He was originally undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft. Last season he scored 14.6 points and 2.6 assists for the Heat.
Nunn's deal has a player option in Year 2. He turned down more money with the Knicks and other teams to join the Lakers. https://t.co/rQbY7PI0XJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 3, 2021
Nunn is exactly what the Lakers needed with their taxpayer mid-level exception. A bench point guard who can score from anywhere and create shots for himself and others. Nunn shot 76 percent within three feet of the rim. For reference, LeBron James shot 78 percent. Nunn is an elite finisher and also shot 38 percent from downtown. He’s a perfect fit for Los Angeles.
Nunn is not known as an elite defender but in coach Frank Vogel’s system, there is no reason why Nunn should struggle. Especially with defensive boons, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, and Marc Gasol behind him in case of emergency. Nunn’s offensive capabilities more than make up for any defensive problems.
What the Nunn signing means for the future
The Nunn signing does not mean that much for the Lakers’ future. He helps them slightly in their quest for a title but he isn’t a make it or break it move. He certainly isn’t as impactful as Russell Westbrook. But overall for the taxpayer mid-level exception he is a good pickup and should help the Lakers achieve their goal of winning another NBA championship.
From Nunn’s perspective, this could change his viewpoint around the league. If Nunn’s monetary sacrifice ends up with a championship, teams will potentially be clamoring to sign him as their championship point guard. That is why there is the player option in his deal, if the first year goes super well, Nunn has an out for more money.
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