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NBA Rumors: New possible Lakers target has unconventional ties to LA

By Jason Reed

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 28: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on February 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 28: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on February 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers should be turning every page to find help for the team’s final push toward the NBA Playoffs. Los Angeles has an open roster spot that it can use at any time and with LeBron James missing time, adding depth is an important thing.

Even before LeBron’s injury, adding someone who can provide wing depth for the Lakers was key. The team does not need to bring someone in that is going to play 25 minutes a night. They just need someone who can play garbage time and offer another option at the end of the bench to keep the guys on the roster fresh.

Will Barton, who was bought out by the Washington Wizards, would have been a great addition to the Lakers’ rotation. However, Barton was ultimately signed by the Toronto Raptors. While LA missed out on Barton, that transaction could give the team a new target to consider: Juancho Hernangomez.

Toronto waived Hernangomez to make room for Barton on the roster. Hernangomez struggled for the Raptors, averaging just 2.9 points and 2.9 rebounds in 14.6 minutes per game. He shot 25.4% from beyond the arc. While those are awful numbers, LA just needs depth and could buy into the potential ceiling of Hernangomez, especially because of an unconventional tie to the team.

NBA Rumors: Juancho Hernangomez has ties to LeBron James and Lakers thanks to Adam Sandler.

Juancho Hernangomez is most well-known for his role in Adam Sandler’s Netflix film ‘Hustle’, where he played the fictional Bo Cruz. Cruz was a superstar in the making in that film, leading many to think that Hernangomez had more to offer in his game as well.

SpringHill Company, which was founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, was one of the production companies on the film. LeBron James received producing credits for the film. Relationships mean everything in the NBA and who knows, this unconventional relationship could lead to something.

It is not like the 15th roster spot is all that important so the Lakers would be afforded the ability to take a risk on someone like Hernangomez. While it has not worked out this season, Hernangomez has shown that he can be productive at the NBA level. This is a guy who shot 40.7% in 113 attempted threes in his rookie season. There is something there.

And that is assuming that LA even needs him to play any kind of role down the stretch. At the very least, he would be another forward that the Lakers can throw out there, especially while LeBron is hurt. As it stands right now, the Lakers have three true forwards on the roster while LeBron is hurt — Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura and Troy Brown Jr.

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There is nothing wrong with adding more depth when you have the means to do so. Plus, Sandler is a pretty big Lakers fan, so maybe he can join the coaching staff pro bono.

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