5 Lakers who are in their last month under contract with the team

By Jason Reed | Mar 20, 2023

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Troy Brown Jr. #7 and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during a 112-103 Lakers win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena on March 07, 2023 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) – Wenyen Garbiel Lakers /

4. Wenyen Gabriel

Wenyen Gabriel has become a fan favorite in Los Angeles in the short time that he has played with the team. Gabriel is a good example of someone who is more popular than talented as the fanbase is likely elevating his talent to a level that is higher than it actually is.

As an energy guy that comes off the bench and adds a spark to the team, Gabriel is great. Having someone like that in a playoff series can be extremely beneficial, even if they are only getting four or so minutes a half to ignite that flame.

But as a player, Gabriel certainly has his holes. His game just is not fit to the modern NBA as he is a center that does not have much size but he cannot make up for it by spacing the floor. Gabriel has shown the ability to shoot in the past but has never tapped into that with the Lakers.

Like Brown, if the Lakers are able to re-sign Gabriel at the league minimum as a depth piece then it shouldn’t take too much thought. The more consistency the team can have in the roster the better.

However, if there is a market that is willing to pay Gabriel, even if it is slightly over the league minimum, the Lakers are probably going to be forced to back out and go another direction. Especially when there are so many cheap centers available in today’s game.

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