Predicting where each Lakers free agent will sign this offseason
By Dalton Sell
After a trip to the NBA Conference Finals this past season, the Los Angeles Lakers will brace for what should be a busy offseason.
First and foremost, the team will have to decide what they plan to do with their 10 impending free agents. Of course, not everyone will be back in the purple and gold next season, so there will be some tough decisions made over the next few months.
Without wasting any time, let us dive right into it and predict where each of LA’s free agents will play when the 2023-24 season starts.
Tristan Thompson – ESPN
No, this is not a shot at Thompson. The NBA Champion was having a successful run as an analyst at ESPN before abruptly signing with the Lakers midway through last season. It would be quite a surprise if the Lakers brought Thompson back, given their other current needs. The big man could very well go back to ESPN for the moment and then return to the NBA if given the call. Maybe LA could call him again next season if they are in the market for some center depth.
Scotty Pippen Jr. – Los Angeles Lakers
After going undrafted in 2022, Scotty Pippen Jr. inked a two-way deal with the Lakers. He did not play much during his rookie season, having spent most of his time in the G-League. The youngster has plenty of potential, and he’s still just 22 years old. It would make sense for the Lakers to bring him back next season to continue his development, even if it’s primarily in the G-League. He could be another hidden gem like the Los Angeles Lakers have found in players like Austin Reaves.