The Los Angeles Lakers have made quite a splash in free agency this summer, signing Lebron James, Rajon Rondo and a couple of other grizzled veterans. But it hasn’t been a perfect summer, and one reason why is because they let Channing Frye go.
Last February, at the NBA Trade Deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Channing Frye as part of the deal where they sent Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson to the Cleveland Cavs. In addition to Frye, the Lakers also received Isaiah Thomas.
The trade was mostly a salary dump that positioned them to sign Lebron James and at least one other major free agent either this summer or next. But Frye turned out to be a decent contributor.
He didn’t play that much, as he appeared in only nine games. He had to undergo an appendectomy that sidelined him.
While his tenure was short-lived, when he did play, he was a serviceable role player. According to reports this offseason, he wanted to stay with the purple and gold past the 2017-18 season. His wishes did not come to fruition, as the Lakers went in a different direction and he signed with the Cavaliers.
At first glance, it seems like it was perfectly OK to let go of a player who only averaged 5.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in 16.7 minutes per game for the Lakers. But upon closer examination, he could’ve helped this team this upcoming season in multiple ways.
These are four reasons why the Lakers should have kept Frye this season.