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

By Jason Reed

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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Wesley Matthews is a familiar face in a brand-new locker room

One of the most important things to watch this season is how this Los Angeles Lakers team gels together not just off the court but on the court. Forget the age narrative and that being an issue, the big issue that the Lakers must combat is making sure they build a proper on-court chemistry.

Last year’s team had none of that. The front office brought in a quartet of new players and the rotation was never really able to be cemented with the star players being hurt. Yes, injuries is what ultimately derailed the Lakers’ season but that on-court chemistry and identity is extremely important, especially if they are going to win the title.

With that in mind, it makes sense for the Lakers to bring back another player who was with the team last season. Matthews is not going to make or break a title run but his familiarity with the team and knowing what is asked of him can help not only him, but the other role players as well.

Matthews can also provide a great locker room presence. He does seem to be a good teammate and the Lakers have valued that in the past. Jared Dudley was with the team for two years just because he was a good teammate. Now, he is on track to be an assistant coach on Jason Kidd’s Dallas Mavericks staff.

Next. Predicting every game of the 2021-22 season. dark

This could be the tiebreaker for Matthews over another wing like James Ennis. The Lakers know what they are getting from Matthews and there is a built-in trust there that does not exist with Ennis.

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