The NBA season is back on October 24th and is better than ever. The season opener will premiere the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 2022-23 champs fared well in the preseason with a 3-2 record. On the other hand, the Lakers went 2-4. With days before Tuesday’s season opener at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, the Lakers decided to make a last-minute addition and subtraction to the team. The Lakers cut Louis King and added former Golden State Warrior Quindarry Weatherspoon. Who is Weatherspoon, and what are the Lakers planning with these additions?
Los Angeles Lakers Sign and Waive Quindarry Weatherspoon
Who Is Quindarry Weatherspoon?
Weatherspoon last played in the league in 2022, when he became an NBA champion with the Warriors. The 27-year-old shooting guard has also played for the San Antonio Spurs and had brief stints in the G League. He was last playing in China with the Tianjin Pioneers. Weatherspoon was the 49th pick in the 2019 draft and was selected by the Spurs. He was a First Team All-SEC in 2019 with Mississippi State. At Mississippi, he was also named twice to the Second Team All-SEC. As a freshman, he made the 2016 SEC All-Freshman Team. Although he made a good impression in college and became an NBA champion, just as quickly as he was signed, he was waived by the Lakers.
Why Did the Lakers Sign and Waive Quindarry Weatherspoon?
According to Hoops Rumors, the Lakers waived Weatherspoon after signing him on Thursday. This announcement was made via the Lakers’ X (Twitter). It seems that the signing and waiving of Weatherspoon is a team strategy. They are down to 14 players with fully guaranteed contracts instead of the regular 15 during a season. With a roster spot wide open, the Lakers can test the waters in free agency or the trade market. Weatherspoon and King will likely make their way to the Lakers’ G League team, and if they can impress, a roster spot is wide open for the taking. Ultimately, this move means more flexibility for the Lakers.
What Is Next for the Lakers?
The Lakers have made great acquisitions during the offseason. Los Angeles has been busy cutting players, extending contracts, and signing talented role players. Their biggest signing was Gabe Vincent. The talented guard signed a three-year, 33 million contract from the Miami Heat after an incredible showing in the playoffs. Their more minor additions were King and Weatherspoon, each signed and cut at a moment’s notice. With 14 players on the roster, what will the Lakers do? Who will they sign? Will someone like Quindarry Weatherspoon shine in the G League and earn a roster spot with the Lakers? All these questions will be answered at their own pace, and it all starts with the Lakers’ season opener against the Nuggets this Tuesday.
