Following their run to the Western Conference Finals, a key theme for the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the offseason was “run it back.” General Manager Rob Pelinka aimed to retain the newfound core around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and it’s safe to say he’s done that and more.
Now, as free agency begins to lull, it’s time to observe just how well the Lakers did in retooling their roster, from each free agent’s fit on the team to how much they signed for on the dotted line.
Los Angeles Lakers Free Agency Grades: A Rob Pelinka Masterclass
Taurean Prince
Taurean Prince, a 6-foot-7 forward from the Timberwolves, was LA’s first addition on Friday. Prince averaged 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on 46-38-84 splits for Minnesota last season. As a combo forward with standout shooting and respectable defense, getting Prince for the $4.5 million Bi-Annual Exception appears to be a steal of a deal. It’s arguably one of several steals that the Lakers brass managed to pull off.
Prince immediately addresses the Los Angeles Lakers two biggest needs: wing depth and three-point shooting. His size and perimeter prowess are major assets for the team, and his versatility—being able to slide between the wing and power forward slots—will be critical for LA going forward. They need all the help they can get behind James and Davis, and adding Prince to the roster proved to be a welcome addition.
Grade: A-
Gabe Vincent
After contributing to the Miami Heat’s Finals run that fell short, Gabe Vincent is trading South Beach for SoCal. The 27-year-old guard signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Lakers, taking up most of their Mid-Level Exception. He averaged 9.4 points and 2.5 assists per game in the regular season on 40-33-87 splits. His playoff production—12.7 points and 3.5 assists per game on 40-37-88 splits—was even more impressive.
It’s worth mentioning that Vincent will likely play backup to the recently re-signed D’Angelo Russell—a role previously occupied by former guard Dennis Schröder, who is now with the Toronto Raptors. Transitioning back to a sixth-man role should be smooth sailing for Vincent after starting all of the Heat’s 22 playoff games. The UC Santa Barbara alum gives LA much-needed scoring off the bench and solid defense. Additionally, his regular season stats as a starter—nearly 11 points and 2.4 assists per game on 43-35-90 splits—are very encouraging. He is someone Laker fans did not have on their radar, but they are more than happy to have him on board.
Grade: A
Cam Reddish
The Lakers had been after wing Cam Reddish for a while, and they finally embraced the opportunity to get him this offseason. His four-year career has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. He had a decent role with the Atlanta Hawks, then received limited opportunities with the New York Knicks before proving his worth with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Reddish put up 11 points, three rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game this past season in the Pacific Northwest while shooting 44% from the field. Now, he can contribute to a legitimate contender and earn significant minutes. Despite backing up both James and Prince, Reddish is part of a critical young core with the Lakers, who now have multiple players in their twenties as opposed to their veteran-laden rosters of the past. His three-point shot has room to grow, but he serves as a reliable scoring option off the bench who can also play respectable defense.
Grade: A-
Jaxson Hayes
The Lakers-Pelicans saga continues all these years later, with LA signing high-flying big man Jaxson Hayes from the Big Easy. Though his production is relatively underwhelming—five points and three rebounds per game while shooting 55% from the field—one look at his highlights shows his apparent potential. Hayes consistently uses his impressive athleticism to finish lobs and fast breaks with jaw-dropping jams. He also defends the rim well, tallying 167 blocks over his four years in the league so far.
As astounding as Hayes’s trajectory is, there are reasonable concerns about his 6-foot-11, 220-pound frame. LA is reportedly still looking for another big for their 14th roster spot, but if all else fails, Hayes is a good backup option. He’ll still need to get in the weight room to handle more physicality in the paint. However, considering other centers in the minimum contact range, he appears to be a good acquisition as things stand now.
Grade: C+/B-
Re-Signed, Sealed, and Delivered
Jarred Vanderbilt (Team Option)
The Los Angeles Lakers’ first move came before free agency started, picking up the one-year, $4.7 million Team Option on Jarred Vanderbilt. The 6-foot-9 Kentucky product quickly earned the respect of Laker Nation with his effort and hustle, which is reflected in his averages of 7.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. Though he’s a defensive-minded player, “the Vandolorian” also showed strides on offense. He became a seamless fit under head coach Darvin Ham with his ability to finish at the rim and take advantage with his frame. Additionally, he showed promise of being a stretch-four, with a three-point frequency of 23.6%, and was efficient from the corner. He led the team in percentage of three-point attempts from the corner (84%) and knocked down 32% of them.
Grade: A
Rui Hachimura
After a stellar postseason where he averaged 12.2 points per game while shooting 48% from deep, forward Rui Hachimura earned a significant payday. He inked a three-year, $51 million deal after averaging 9.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in the regular season with LA. Hachimura has significantly helped the Lakers’ frontcourt, being a big body the team could turn to and excelling in any situation. Whether the Lakers needed major scoring or just someone to be productive in spot minutes, Hachimura was there. Though the contract itself is somewhat questionable, fans are relieved that a key young Laker is here to stay.
Grade: B+
D’Angelo Russell
The Lakers’ reunion with Russell will last a little longer after the 27-year-old signed a two-year, $37 million deal (with a Player Option for year two). Despite a playoff blunder that saw him go ice cold in the Western Conference Finals—averaging 6.3 points per game on 32% shooting from the field—bringing D’Lo back is ultimately the right move. He solidifies LA’s starting point guard role, keeping the continuity between himself, James, Davis, and the other key contributors. Additionally, Russell’s postseason struggles could be motivation for next season, when he can keep helping LA as both a facilitator and scorer. The contract situation is ideal for both sides, too. Russell isn’t tied to LA long-term, and the Lakers didn’t have to spend an exorbitant amount to retain him.
Grade: A
Austin Reaves
Finally, Laker fans can breathe a sigh of relief with this one. Guard Austin Reaves is back in purple and gold on a four-year, $56 million max deal. His rise in popularity has been well-chronicled in his second season, averaging 21.3 points and 5.4 assists per game in the Western Conference Finals. Reaves’s desires to stay with the Lakers while getting handsomely paid have been met.
Following the offseason shakeup, Reaves is projected to be the starting shooting guard alongside Russell, a role he embraced during the playoffs and has earned heading into next season. Though there were reports that Reaves could have signed a four-year offer sheet of around $100 million, the Lakers, thankfully, got him back on a friendly deal he absolutely deserves.
Grade: A+
The Last Word on the Los Angeles Lakers Free Agency
Overall, Rob Pelinka stayed true to his word, retaining most of the key Lakers while shoring up the edges with new faces. Though they had to move on from players such as Schröder and Lonnie Walker IV, it appears worth it on paper. The Lakers addressed all of their needs—depth, versatility, size, and shooting—with these moves, making a feat like this one all the more remarkable.
The Lakers, who had no pick in the 2019 NBA draft, now have the 8th, 9th, and 10th picks on their roster 🤣 pic.twitter.com/tXeLqGQfR7
— Jake (@KingJakeVII) July 1, 2023
Overall, though rival fans may not want to admit it, early returns point to the Lakers as the winners of free agency. The Laker faithful’s cries of “Let Rob cook!” have worked wonders, and Pelinka has served up a menu that is worthy of a Michelin star.
