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3 next moves the Lakers must make after Anthony Davis extension

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: (L-R) Jarred Vanderbilt #2 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers react against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 10, 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: (L-R) Jarred Vanderbilt #2 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers react against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 10, 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Lakers D'Moi Hodge
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) – D’Moi Hodge /

2. Lakers must convert D’Moi Hodge to a standard contract

The Lakers got rid of one two-way player recently when Cole Swider was waived. This was likely to allow Swider to pursue other avenues in the league as there was no real path to get playing time in Los Angeles.

Someone who could get playing time is D’Moi Hodge, who was arguably the biggest standout of the Summer League and is currently signed to the Lakers on a two-way contract. The Lakers could leave him on that two-way deal and let him get minutes in the G League but the team would benefit from adding him to the roster.

Even if he does not play much, giving Hodge the Max Christie treatment from last season would be beneficial. Christie benefitted from being around the team but also was able to get playing time with South Bay when he was assigned to the G League. Hodge following a similar path would be solid.

Speaking of Christie, the shooting guard depth is extremely thin for the Lakers, which only helps Hodge’s case to get a standard NBA contract from the team. The only two option for LA at the two-guard are Christie and Austin Reaves. If Reaves gets hurt and Christie isn’t quite NBA-ready yet then LA is going to be scrambling.

Hodge may not have any NBA experience but he proved that at the very least he can be a solid three-and-D perimeter guy. Letting him get 10-15 minutes here and there while he develops his game will help the team in the long run.

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