Lakers Sign Sharpshooting Guard Amid Underwhelming NBA Free Agency
The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t make any major moves in the offseason and missed out on a few top players. However, the Lakers did sign sharpshooting guard Grayson Murphy right on time for the team’s summer league. They built a promising roster and the former Belmont guard looked like an ideal option for the team.
Summer League Roster ✔️ pic.twitter.com/9VTtfjkfAP
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 3, 2024
Murphy spent the 2023 season as part of the Dresden squad in Germany. He measures at 6’22’’ and his frame enabled him to do 43.4% of his three-pointers. Murphy averaged 13.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.6 steals per game in 23 games with the team. It’s interesting to note that the guard didn’t make the 2022 NBA Draft after his fifth season at Belmont.
The newly-acquired Lakers guard played his best basketball in 2020-21, averaging 10.9 points 8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while going 35.7% from long range.
Grayson Murphy delivered his second consecutive double double on Sunday as Dresden defeated Muenster 93-69!
— Potter Sports Group (@PotterSportsLLC) December 4, 2023
17 pt | 11 ast | 6 reb | 4 stl | 2-3 3FG @_GraysonMurphy_ pic.twitter.com/Ej7EeQ6JMU
The Belmont guard may earn a spot on the Lakers roster
The Lakers entered the offseason with great plans, but most of their initial scenarios didn’t end well. They were unable to get the first coach on their list and hired JJ Redick. The Lakers also had their eyes on James Harden and Klay Thompson, but both players ended up playing somewhere else.
Although LA didn’t add a star player in the offseason, they seem to be following a specific plan. In other words, Murphy will have to try really hard to make the regular-season roster. His shooting is a good advantage though.
Murphy will get to play alongside LeBron James’ oldest son, Bronny, and they will also share the floor with first-round pick Dalton Knecht. This will be a great challenge for Murphy and pretty much everyone who is trying to earn a spot on the roster. The Lakers had a few good reasons to add young talents and now is the perfect time to show off their best skills.