The Los Angeles Lakers made their first addition of the season, albeit a small one. The team signed center Damian Jones to a 10-day contract, essentially giving him an extended tryout to see if he can be the help that the team needs.
On paper, it seems as if this partnership could work out. The Lakers need depth at the center position and while they will look to get more than just Jones, it could be a good start to address what the team needs.
Jones looked really impressive in his first time on the court for the Lakers as well. He scored eight points with three boards and two blocks in just eight minutes. He hurt his back in the process, but he got Laker fans excited.
The hype is real.
DAMIAN JONES BLOCK!!!! pic.twitter.com/TNvbeqLXMs
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 1, 2021
Not to be the guy to rain on everyone’s parade, but the chances of Jones finishing the season with the Los Angeles Lakers is rather slim. Here is why.
1. Damian Jones is merely depth filling an option roster spot for the Los Angeles Lakers
Damian Jones was not brought in to be the desperate help that the Los Angeles Lakers needed at the center position. He is not someone who is going to be part of the rotation. He was brought in simply to fill out a roster spot that was open.
Devontae Cacok gets limited time with the NBA team because of his two-way contract so this is a case of the Lakers simply getting another body for the rotation.
There is a reason why he did not play the first game that he was officially signed with the Lakers and he only got playing time against Golden State in garbage time. The Lakers simply have an open roster spot as they had to waive Quinn Cook before fully guaranteeing his contract. Jones is just a placeholder.
But what if he excels? Well, there are still two compelling reasons why his Lakers tenure will not last long.