Los Angeles Lakers: Why LA will likely re-sign Wesley Matthews

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his three point basket in overtime to bring the Los Angeles Lakers ahead 114-111 at Staples Center on February 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his three point basket in overtime to bring the Los Angeles Lakers ahead 114-111 at Staples Center on February 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers had to be very active in free agency after trading for Russell Westbrook as the team only had four players on the roster prior to free agency. Rob Pelinka got to work, signing eight players in a short window to bring the Lakers’ roster count up to 12.

The Lakers still have three more roster spots that they can utilize. The most likely situation is the team using two of those three roster spots before the season and then saving the 15th and final roster spot for a buyout option in-season.

This not only gives the Lakers another option during the season but saves a bit on the tax bill, which is already the most in the league.

There are several players who have been connected to the Lakers at this point in free agency. One player who is not receiving a lot of buzz, and arguably should be, is Wesley Matthews.

The Los Angeles Lakers have multiple reasons to re-sign Wesley Matthews.

Matthews is still available on the free-agent market after his one season in LA and it might be a case of him simply waiting for the Lakers to make the deal official. It makes sense for the two sides to come to an agreement at this point in the offseason.

Let’s break down the two reasons why.