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Los Angeles Lakers: Grading free agency thus far and potential moves

By Anthony Abruzzo

EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 26: Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers helps introduce 2018 NBA draft pick Moritz Wagner during an introductory press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center on June 26, 2018 in El Segundo, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 26: Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers helps introduce 2018 NBA draft pick Moritz Wagner during an introductory press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center on June 26, 2018 in El Segundo, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
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One-year deals

Once James committed to the Lakers, Magic Johnson went back to work to surround James with some more talent. The first thing that the Lakers added back was Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a one-year deal worth about $12 million.

That gives James and the Lakers a good 3-and-D player that’ll fit along nicely on the squad. But the next few free agent signings got everyone questioning what the Lakers are doing.

The move to fall was Lance Stephenson, a guy who has history against James in the playoffs before going at one another. Why they would pair these two together puzzled everyone, but it was reported that James recruited Stephenson to Los Angeles.

The reason is that of the toughness that Stephenson shows when he’s on the court. He doesn’t let anyone take advantage of him or his team and never backs down from any challenge that sits in front of him.

That is the type of players that LeBron James wants to be on his team. Another guy that the Lakers signed and is similar is Rajon Rondo.

Rondo is a good playmaker, also has a history of playing against James in the playoffs and again won’t back down from a challenge.

LA also added a big in JaVale McGee, who has championship experience by winning the last two titles with the Warriors and will bring some toughness in as well.

Besides McGee, the Lakers are trying to get guys to can create their own offense and like McGee in this instant, guys who can defend.

One thing to also look at as well, all these guys are signed to one-year deals. That means the Lakers are keeping their options open for 2019 and will have the flexibility to add another max free agent.

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