Los Angeles Lakers: 3 final free agent touches for a fantastic offseason

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 06: Dewayne Dedmon #14 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 06, 2020 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Jared Dudley

Jared Dudley. Need I say more? The man is the living breathing definition of a team-first role player. A team chemistry savant, Dudley is the perfect “gel guy” to have at the end of the bench. He doesn’t need any playing time, logging only 364 minutes last year, to help a team out.

His positivity on the sidelines and ability to keep it light and bring guys together is the role he would be asked to play once again this year, should Pelinka give him a contract. And Pelinka absolutely should.

As previously stated, the NBA season is a long, arduous grind, and Dudz has been in the league long enough to know that there will be stretches where it’s not going as well as expected.

He’s proven throughout his entire career that he knows how to be a team-first player, set his ego aside and help the team in any way he can, even if it means being a glorified water boy.

Dudley is an affable, high IQ, seasoned veteran who proved his worth off the court with last year’s Championship squad. For these reasons, Rob Pelinka should bring him back for another go-round at a title.

Home/Lakers Free Agency