Grading every Lakers signing during NBA free agency

By Jason Reed | Jul 2, 2023

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 11: Taurean Prince #12 of the Minnesota Timberwolves attempts a shot betweem D'Angelo Russell #1 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half in a play-in tournament game at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

1 of 6

The Los Angeles Lakers have been incredibly busy during NBA free agency and have been getting a lot of praise from the media. After making the Western Conference Finals a year ago, the Lake Show has seemingly built a roster that is deeper than last year while also maintaining important continuity.

While the overall picture is undoubtedly great, each individual move still deserves its own analysis. Not every signing the Lakers have made is equal, and not every signing is a good one. Let’s dive into the grades, in chronological order.

Lakers sign Taurean Prince: A

The first reported move the Lakers made in free agency was signing Taurean Prince to the Bi-Annual Exception. Prince was waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves to make room under the luxury tax and the Lakers did not waste any time bringing Prince in.

This is such a great wing addition to a roster that needed more wing depth. Prince has proven to be a reliable rotation player in his NBA career that can knock down shots off the ball while also playing above-average defense on the other end.

Despite not being in LA last year, this also helps with the team’s continuity as he is reuniting with several of his former Minnesota teammates. It is almost impossible to get more value out of the Bi-Annual Exception than what the Lakers got in signing Prince.

Home/Lakers Free Agency