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Los Angeles Lakers add depth with signing of Lance Stephenson

By Nick Ziegler

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 29: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers tries to get around Lance Stephenson #1 of the Indiana Pacers during the first half in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on April 29, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 29: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers tries to get around Lance Stephenson #1 of the Indiana Pacers during the first half in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on April 29, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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After signing LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers have now added Lance Stephenson as their wild start to free agency continues.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been extremely busy to start free agency, as they have quickly made themselves contenders in the Western Conference. The addition of LeBron James has instantly helped the Lakers become relevant once again.

Adding the best player in the world to a talented young core will certainly put the Lakers back in the playoffs this coming season. While the Lakers might have wanted to add two stars this offseason, they have done a nice job early on surrounding James with some talent instead.

Shortly after signing James, the Lakers were able to sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a one-year deal. The Lakers know what they are getting with KCP, as he was a good player for them last season. With James, he should be able to thrive as a good three-point shooter.

In addition to signing KCP, the Lakers have also signed Lance Stephenson to a one-year deal. Stephenson’s deal is worth $4.5 million for next season

Signing Stephenson gives the Lakers some more depth on their bench heading into next season. While he has had some ups-and-downs in his career, Stephenson has proven that in the right place, he can be a productive player.

With the Pacers last season, Stephenson averaged 9.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 22.6 minutes per game. Coming off the bench, Stephenson will provide the Lakers will a very versatile player that can help in multiple ways.

Adding Stephenson after signing James, of course, has some added spice because of the battles that they have had in the playoffs.

For the Lakers, this is a pretty good signing. They are getting a player that can be a valuable piece for the rotation on a very affordable one-year deal. Besides LeBron, it is becoming clear that the Lakers are still looking to have some cap flexibility for next season.

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