Report: LA Lakers Linked to Ex Magic Starter

The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to former Orlando Magic starter. General manager Rob Pelinka is adding the final touches to the roster and maybe he will try to get James Ennis. Marc Stein reported that LA may consider signing him to complete their roster.

“For Lakers, wing depth is more important than a backup guard,” Stein noted during a Greenroom episode (h/t to Ralph Mason). “James Ennis is a name that’s been mentioned for Lakers.”

Orlando first got Ennis in 2020 through a trade deal with the Sixers. Former Magic head coach Steve Clifford has more on Ennis’ skill set.

“Experienced guy, terrific competitor, he’s played in playoff series and he’s got good versatility, so I think he’ll fit in well,” Clifford explained after the trade, per NBA.com. “(Defense), to me, is the thing that really stands out because he’s a really good competitor. He has the quickness and length to defend multiple positions, which is obviously a big help for any team.”

The Lakers are still linked to the Magic starter

Ennis struggled with injuries in the 2020-21 NBA season. He was averaging 8.4 points, four rebounds, 1.5 assists all while shooting 43.3% from long range in 41 games with 37 starts.

Roy Parry from Orlando Sentinel explained why Ennis was one of the very few bright spots for Orlando last season.

“After the Magic re-signed him on a one-year deal, Ennis was penciled in as the starting small forward but a preseason calf injury put that on hold,” Parry detailed. “He missed the first seven games before returning Jan. 6 against the Cavaliers. He then started the next 23 games before injuries began to shuffle him in and out of the lineup.

“…Scoring has never been Ennis’ biggest asset, but he became more of the 3-and-D wing the Magic envisioned when they acquired him in February 2020. Ennis wound up shooting a team-best 43.3% (45-for-104) from behind the arc. The percentage was the second-highest of his career and his best for a full season with one team.”

The Lakers have already signed a few swingmen in the offseason. They have deals for Malik Monk, Kent Bazemore, Trevor Ariza, and Carmelo Anthony. Melo will probably play the stretch-four in the upcoming season. Stein added that Isaiah Thomas may be the next player to join the Lakers.

Thomas has yet to ink a deal with any NBA team, but he may be a good fit for the Lakers.