While the Lakers summer will be highlighted more by who they lost than who they gained, they did complete their two first signings on Friday. Both Nick Young and Chris Kaman finalized their one-year deals with the Lakers, making them the newest players to don the purple and gold.
GM Mitch Kupchak officially presenting @NickSwagyPYoung with his Lakers jersey. “It’s a dream come true.” #GoLakers pic.twitter.com/TuSeZi8j2p
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 12, 2013
OFFICIAL: Lakers Sign Center @ChrisKaman. PRESS RELEASE: http://t.co/pPwlj7HqmS | PIC: pic.twitter.com/op1NsQx9Sz
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 12, 2013
Kaman has been tabbed the starter by beat writers who say the Lakers will continue the slow, grind it out style they use last season, which was successful late in the year. Kaman is known for his solid defensive play and should fit nicely beside Pau Gasol.
As for Young, he’s known as a prolific scorer, which is something the Lakers can certainly use. By nearly all accounts, Young will be the Lakers Opening Day starter at small forward, although his natural position is shooting guard. He’s a nice addition as he’ll take some pressure off Kobe and his recovering Achilles.
Jordan Farmar, the other Lakers signee, is still finalizing his buy-out with his Turkish club and could be announced today, but more likely later this weekend.