Report: Los Angeles Lakers Sign Veteran Three-And-D Forward

The Los Angeles Lakers are building their roster, and this time they added a veteran.

Jared Dudley signed a one-year deal worth $2.5 million. The information was confirmed by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

“Free agent Jared Dudley has agreed to a one-year, $2.6M deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN.”

Dudley isn’t as effective as he used to be. Last season, he gave the Nets league-average three-point shooting in 20 minutes per game. However, he is 33, and his defense is weaker than usual. He isn’t expected to be a starter, but he is strong enough to be in the rotation.

Dudley was one of the 12 nominees for this season’s Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award.

Joe Harris said he was “probably the best teammate I’ve ever had.”

“Jared is honestly probably the best teammate I’ve ever had,” said Harris. “He’s one of the veteran guys that every team needs. For us, coming in here, whether he plays five minutes or he plays 30, his voice is always the same. He’s great from a leadership angle, he’s helpful with every single guy, doesn’t matter if you’re DeMarre Carroll nine years in or you’re (Rodions Kurucs) and you’re a rookie.

“He’s lending his voice, he’s helping guys out, and what he says is essentially like it’s coming from a coach or a general manager. He’s got a wealth of knowledge and wisdom and he’s also a likable guy. People really enjoy being around him. I can’t really see anybody more deserving — obviously I’m biased — of the teammate of the year award.”

According to Nets coach Kenny Atkinson as more than a ledr for his younger teammates. He had a huge influence on the coaching staff as a sounding board and support.

“Jared, everything he does, whether it’s on the court, going through everything full-tilt, fully engaged, and sometimes the vets skate through a shootaround,” said Atkinson. “He’s fully engaged. He’s been a great example for our young guys. On top of that the guy can play. He’s really helped our collective IQ, helps our spacing on the court, and then defensively he’s saavy too. It’s nice to have that voice and that positive energy and like I’ve said all along, he’s helped me tremendously. I think he’s pushed me to become a better coach. Just awesome to see him rewarded.”

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