Josh McRoberts Among the Newest Lakers

Mitch Kupchak is making moves though they’re not of the blockbuster variety. Never mind blockbuster these hardly even qualify for the now defunct Hollywood Video. In keeping with our rental theme here it appears as if GM Mitch is just borrowing time until a good deal comes along.

Today was the busiest day the Lakers have had in this young season. At least as far as actual roster moves go.

Kupchak added three players to the Lake Show roster. The most notable of the new acquisitions is power forward Josh McRoberts who has apparently been inked to a two-year deal at the mini-mid-level exception.

Hoop heads will remember McRoberts as a heavily recruited power forward out of Indianapolis who was at one point being compared to Chris Webber. McRoberts went to Duke where he left school after his sophomore year only to be drafted in the second round by the Portland Trailblazers back in ’07. Since then McRoberts has seen limited PT in the NBA though he is coming off of the best season of his career with the Indiana Pacers.

At only 24-years-of-age McRoberts still has room for growth. His athletic ability and improved jumper could make McRoberts a valuable asset off the bench. Should there be any injuries, though, I’m not so sure he’s the guy to rely on for 30+ minutes a night.

The other noteworthy signing is that of Gerald Green. The former slam dunk champ is most known for blowing out the candle on a cup cake during his performance at the 2007 All-Star Weekend. Ironically he also bested his new teammate Josh McRoberts at the McDonald’s All-American dunk contest. Green’s game never caught up to his athleticism as he’s bounced around the globe making three different stops in the NBA and a couple quick stints in Russia and China.

The final new addition is power forward Malcolm Thomas. This is a player I’m excited about. Thomas did two years at San Diego State where he teamed with current San Antonio Spurs rookie Kawhi Leonard. Thomas is a lanky yet active and athletic power forward. Think Taj Gibson.  After taking the JUCO route, the San Diego native put together a couple of impressive seasons where he ranked among the Mountain West’s leaders in rebounding and blocked shots. Also impressive is that in only two years Thomas was able to climb the ranks among SDSU’s all-time leading shot blockers where he ranks second.