The Los Angeles Lakers have wasted little time getting into the undrafted free agent pool, as they agreed to a two-way deal with Zach Norvell.
Zach Norvell Jr. has agreed to a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, per Shams Charania.
Undrafted Gonzaga guard Zach Norvell has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 21, 2019
Norvell was overlooked in the draft. Last season, he averaged 14.9 PPG, on 43.4% shooting, grabbed 4.3 rebounds, dished out 3.1 assists, and had 1.3 steals per game. Over the last two seasons in Gonzaga, Norvell averaged 13.8 points, on 44.4% shooting, 4.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists per game, and 1.2 steals per game.
More from Lake Show Life
- Rob Pelinka is directly going against his promise to LeBron James
- The 76ers won’t be able to help the Lakers trade for Kyrie Irving
- 3 keys to the Los Angeles Lakers shocking the world next season
- Lakers have unrealistic hopes for Russell Westbrook
- Insider suggests Lakers are saving 2029 pick for a different trade
Norvell can create his own shot and he does not turn the ball over much, averaging just 1.5 turnovers in the past two seasons at Gonzaga. He is 6’5” 205 pounds and can handle the ball. He could be a reliable option as a backup combo guard, depending on how the rest of the roster pans out.
Norvell is a good shooter, he can score off the dribble, he’s a quality playmaker, athletic, he can post up on smaller players, and he can shoot well from deep, which the Lakers need. He is also a decent rebounder for his position.
However, at times, he has lapses defensively, committing bad fouls, and at times he hoists up questionable shots. With all that being said, he reminds me of D’Angelo Russell, which is a good thing.
Norvell will likely play in the Las Vegas Summer League and show the Lakers front office, teammates, family, and fans, what he’s made of. The Lakers need someone like Norvell because of his shooting ability, the ability to score off the dribble, and if the Lakers decide to re-sign Alex Caruso, a backcourt of Norvell and Caruso off the bench will be a scary sight for the opposition.
Caruso showed signs of being able to do everything on the basketball court last season, whether it was on the defensive end, getting blocks, steals, rebounds, or the offensive end, making the right decision to pass the ball or take it in on his own.
Norvell looks like a good pairing, as a scorer, with Alex Caruso. This was a good signing by the Lakers, and Norvell is going to have a bright future in the NBA.