The start of NBA training camps is less than a month away, and the Los Angeles Lakers are still making moves. This week, the club has signed a free agent and is considering signing another veteran.
On Tuesday, L.A. came to an agreement with Shawne Williams. The former first-round draft pick will get a $1.1 million contract if he makes the team.
It’s been a year and a half since Williams played in the NBA. His 2012 season was cut short by a foot injury after having played 25 games with the Nets. The small forward was a first-round draft pick in 2006, but had his best season with the New York Knicks in 2010-2011. That year, he played 64 games and averaged 7.1 points per game on 40.1 percent three-point shooting.
L.A. signed Williams to add depth a position where they desperately need it. After using their amnesty clause to rid themselves of Metta World Peace, the most experienced small forward on the Lakers roster is Devin Ebanks. In his three years in the league, Ebanks has played just 63 total games. Williams will compete with rookies Ryan Kelly and Elias Harris to make the team.
Los Angeles could soon be signing another free agent. Sam Amico of FoxSports.com first reported on Tuesday that the club has shown interest in Sebastian Telfair. The report states that the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs have also had discussions about signing the veteran.
Last season, the Lakers had more problems at point guard than any other position. Steve Nash and Steve Blake battled injuries throughout the season, and Chris Duhon and Darius Morris had a tough time filling in as starters. Along with Nash and Blake, Jordan Farmar is expected to be on the team. L.A. could be looking to add a fourth point guard, considering all the helped they needed at the position in 2012-2013.
Telfair entered the league in 2004 with a lot of hype, being selected as the final player in the lottery. He never was able to reach expectations, failing to ever average double-digits in points or shoot higher than 41 percent for a whole season. Since he skipped college, he is only 28, and L.A. might consider letting him compete for a roster spot.
The Lakers are expected to have between 16 and 20 players signed when training camp begins, according to the L.A. Times. They currently have 13 players under contract, and will open the season against the Clippers on Oct.29.
Lakers Rumors: Sebastian Telfair, Shawne Williams To Sign With LA? Team Considers Free Agents As Training Camp Approaches
No comments:
Post a Comment