Los Angeles Lakers: 5 potential summer signings to watch closely

By Jason Reed | Mar 12, 2022

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 09: Lou Williams #6 of the Atlanta Hawks is defended by Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on March 09, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Thaddeus Young

A big roster complaint that I had heading into the 2021-22 season was the fact that the Lakers did not have a traditional backup four this season. Trevor Ariza was meant to be that option on paper but he did not play until December and was really bad when he did play.

While Thaddeus Young is only six-eight, he would give the Lakers a true backup four behind Anthony Davis next season. This is important to have not only because Davis will ultimately miss games with an injury but because the team should really be utilizing him more as a five.

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Young is someone who the Lakers could put on the floor with Davis at the five without hurting the floor spacing. He is a capable three-point shooter that can hold his own while also being someone who can pop shots from the mid-range.

Like others on this list, his production is down as his role is down this season. However, he still fits the mold of what the Lakers need in a backup power forward and that is more important than the numbers on a team where he may not fit as well.

Young will be 34 in June and will certainly be someone who gets a minimum contract this summer.

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