Lakers Strike Deal With Talented Young Guard, G League Rookie of the Year

The Los Angeles Lakers released Trevor Ariza to make room for a new player. Rob Pelinka brought a bunch of veterans to LA last offseason but this experiment didn’t work. NBA veterans joined the Lakers just because they wanted to win a championship. Well, it didn’t happen and the Lakers missed a lot of games. Players sustained injuries and missed significant time. It’s more than obvious that some players don’t belong to the roster. Ariza was one of these players. The Lakers waived him as they had a better plan for his roster spot. According to latest reports, the Lakers have agreed to a deal with a young guard.

Wenyen Gabriel was supposed to get Ariza’s spot on the Lakers roster. The Lakers planned to give him a two-way deal. Mac McClung will fill this spot instead.

Lakers make it official that they’ve signed Mac McClung to a two-way deal: pic.twitter.com/q9cxh23H4C

— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) April 9, 2022

The Lakers have a good deal for the young guard

McClung first signed with the Lakers as an undrafted free agent. He didn’t see action as a member of the active roster, but did play with the Chicago Bulls. McClung is a Laker for life and he decided to go back to LA. He became part of the South Bay Lakers.

McClung averaged 21.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game in the G League. Yes, he helped the South Bay Lakers make a 21-11record.

These stats helped McClung win the G League Rookie of the Year award. This may not be a good accomplishment for NBA analysts. However, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka appreciates great players and McClung earned his trust.

The Lakers are at the very end of a disappointing season. They will have to make things work this offseason. Who will be the next player to join the team?

LeBron James and Anthony Davis lead the team, but things may take a different turn this offseason. The 2022-23 Lakers roster may look a lot different. It’s a long offseason after all. Instead of building the right playoff scheme, the Lakers will try to rebuild the roster. Russell Westbrook makes the biggest news these days and he is expected to leave the franchise.