Los Angeles Lakers: Grading the signings from free agency
JaVale McGee: B
Assuming JaVale McGee‘s deal with the Lakers comes from the $4.8 Million mid-level exception, the JaVale McGee signing scores a B- grade.
JaVale McGee has agreed to return to the Lakers, where he’ll likely start at center, league sources tell ESPN. It’s a two-year, $8.2 million deal, with a player option.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 6, 2019
The Lakers decided to run it back with JaVale McGee, who had a career-year this past season. The jumpy big man finished the season with per-game averages of 12 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He finished in the top five in total blocks, to solidify his great season last year.
In Ramona Shleburne’s tweet, she says that McGee is expected to start for the Lakers. This was before the Lakers singed DeMarcus Cousins however, so it’s not clear whether or not McGee will actually start next season.
Whether he does or not, a duo of Anthony Davis and JaVale McGee could be lethal in the paint defensively for the Lakers. He’s a proven big man in this league and his contract is appropriate, making JaVale Mcgee an above average singing for the Lakers.
- McGee’s 36 minutes per game averages last season: 19.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks.