Los Angeles Lakers: 4 Reasons they should’ve kept Channing Frye

EL SEGUNDO, CA - FEBRUARY 12: Channing Frye #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media during all access practice on February 12, 2018 at UCLA Heath Training Center 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - FEBRUARY 12: Channing Frye #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media during all access practice on February 12, 2018 at UCLA Heath Training Center 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

1. He’s played with Lebron James in the past

Frye was teammates with the Lakers’ newest franchise player for a couple years. He arrived in Cleveland during the 2015-16 as part of a three-team trade and stayed there until coming to the Lakers midway through this past season.

The purple and gold have so many new players that it will likely take them at least a few months to build some serious chemistry with each other. When two of your newcomers have already played with each other, it can shorten that learning curve.

Especially since it was so recent, Lebron probably still knows Frye’s tendencies on the court. He would’ve been cognizant of Frye’s favorite spots on the floor to catch and shoot and would’ve actively looked to set him up in those situations and get him open looks there.

Who will fill the veteran, court stretching role for the Lakers this season with Frye moving on? We will have to wait and find out!

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