Lakers Made ‘Significant’ $4 Million Decision For Playmaking Wing

The Los Angeles Lakers have to play smart this offseason and add a few players who can elevate the game in the upcoming season. The franchise made the Western Conference Finals this past season and can definitely do more in 2023-24. The Lakers are eyeing their options at the moment and they have just made a decision regarding a playmaking wing.

Pepperdine wing Maxwell Lewis caught their eye in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Lakers front office was impressed by his potential, per Dave McMenamin from ESPN. Lewis could easily fit in their game plan and the Lakers gave the Indiana Pacers $4.35 million to go up from No.47 to No.40 in order to get the talented wing.

Lakers made the right decision about their wing

Bryce McGowens was the No.40 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and earned a $7 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets. Will Lewis get the same deal with the Lakers?

“The Lakers made a significant commitment to make sure they could get a chance at Maxwell Lewis, sending ~$4m to Indiana to move up from 47 to 40,” McMenamin tweeted on June 23, 2023. “The rangy 6-7 forward out of Pepperdine made a major impression in his predraft workout with the team.”

In the 2022-23 NBA season, Lewis averaged 17.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 34.8% from long range. His performance earned him a spot in the All-WCC team last season.

What makes Lewis an attractive option for the purple and gold? Kevin O’Connor compared him to Spurs guard Devin Vassell. He had great words for Lewis’ skills and yes, Rob Pelinka had a few good reasons to get him.

“Knockdown 3-point shooter off the catch with flawless mechanics,” O’Connor wrote in his pre-draft profile of Lewis. “He’s not a dynamic threat off screens or handoffs, but he is excellent at one-dribble or two-dribble pull-ups and stepbacks.

“…He’s not a lead guard, but he has the playmaking skill and vision for dishing to bigs in the dunker spot or throwing darts to spot-up shooters. When involved in two-man games, his combo of shooting, passing, and perception make him a constant threat. High-effort defender with a large frame and good length. Has the upside to become a super versatile defender if his quickness and focus improves.”