LA Lakers Sign Cam Reddish to 2-Year Deal in 2023 NBA Free Agency

LA Lakers sign Cam Reddish, continue active free agency period.

The LA Lakers made a big splash on the first day of free agency by signing Cam Reddish to a two-year contract. This move has been anticipated for quite some time, and now Reddish is finally joining the Lakers in Hollywood.

The news of Reddish's deal with the Lakers was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic. However, the specifics of the contract have not been disclosed. Prior to signing Reddish, there were rumors that the Lakers were interested in bringing him on board for a veteran's minimum salary.

Reddish was selected as the 10th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Although he showed promise during his time with the Hawks, he became dissatisfied with his playing time. He averaged 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals for the Hawks, with shooting percentages of 38.5% from the field, 32.9% from beyond the arc, and 83.3% from the free throw line.

Midway through the 2021-22 season, Reddish was traded to the New York Knicks. However, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau was not impressed with his performance at the start of the season and removed him from the rotation in December.

Subsequently, Reddish was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he proved to be a valuable asset both as a starter and coming off the bench. In 20 games for the Blazers, he averaged 11.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals, shooting 44.3% from the field and 31.8% from beyond the arc.

The LA Lakers have been quite active on the first day of free agency, making multiple signings. They brought in Taurean Prince on a one-year, $4.5 million deal, followed by Gabe Vincent on a three-year, $33 million contract.

Additionally, Rui Hachimura, a restricted free agent, agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal to return to the Lakers. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Lakers' General Manager Rob Pelinka is not done making moves yet.

Buha also mentioned that the Lakers have expressed interest in re-signing Austin Reaves and potentially adding D'Angelo Russell to their roster. They have the flexibility to sign both guards, while also having the ability to sign two more players on veteran's minimum contracts.

With Mo Bamba being waived, the Lakers will need to acquire a backup big man or possibly two, considering Anthony Davis' history of injuries. Some notable centers available in free agency include Brook Lopez, Christian Wood, and Mason Plumlee.

After reaching the Western Conference Finals last season, the Lakers have high expectations for the upcoming year. They aim to repeat their success or even go further. However, they recognize the need for additional defensive options to counter the threat posed by Nikola Jokic, who remains a significant challenge in the Western Conference.