Los Angeles Lakers retaining JaVale McGee is a smart move

The Los Angeles Lakers re-signed center JaVale McGee and it was a smart move for both sides.

The Los Angeles Lakers lost out on some big names due to waiting around for the biggest star in Kawhi Leonard.

Now that Leonard decided to sign with the team that shares the building with them, the Lakers must sign players immediately.

On Saturday morning, the Lakers signed JaVale McGee to a two-year, $8.2 million contract.

This is a smart move for a variety of reasons. The first reason is that his contract is cheap. At this price, there aren’t any centers of his quality. McGee could’ve likely gotten a better offer somewhere else. Familiarity and a chance at contending for a championship were certainly in play for him signing.

The Lakers gave JaVale McGee his biggest opportunity in years. Going into last season, McGee came in as a backup center on the Golden State Warriors the previous two years.

With the Lakers in year one, he delivered by averaging 12 points, 7.5 rebounds, and two blocks in only 22.3 minutes. He was one of the best shot blockers in the league, ranking fifth.

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People forget that McGee is only 31 years old. It seems like an eternity ago when he was on the Wizards getting playing time in his career. He has been in the league since 2008.

Unlike most big guys at this stage of their career, McGee has a lot left in the tank. His numbers show that he had the best year of his career. It’s reasonable to expect the same production if he can stay healthy.

To get a center who is capable of starting on some clubs at this price is a bargain for the Lakers. The Lakers need to fill out the roster over the next few days, and he is a good way to start.

Lakers fans will likely be in disgust at the fact that they re-signed McGee and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, instead of landing Kawhi. The reality is they have a talented trio in LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Kyle Kuzma. These type of signings make or break contending teams.

McGee will likely start at center with Davis playing his natural power forward spot.

Look for JaVale McGee to have a big impact this year, particularly on the defensive end. Things will get easier for the athletic big man, with Davis in town. Last season, McGee didn’t have much help in terms of rim production. That won’t be the case this season.