Lakers: Team makes key signing after impressive Summer League; latest news, rumors & more
By Jason Reed
The Lakers sign Vander Blue
Los Angeles announced the signing of Vander Blue to a one-year, $1.4 million contract on Friday, August fourth. It should be noted that Los Angeles did not sign Blue to a two-way contract, allowing the team to shuffle him in between the G League and NBA and pay him based on what team he is on at the moment; much like MLB minor league contracts.
Blue earned the chance to fight for a roster spot during training camp after an impressive NBA Summer League performance on top of his solid G League performance last season. During the Lakers’ NBA Summer League Championship run Blue averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
The 25-year-old guard was also named the NBA G League MVP last season. Blue averaged 24.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 47 games played last season. However, Blue has been in the G League for far too long, as his 23.5 points per game average across four seasons has put him in striking distance for the most points scored all-time in the G League.
Blue has played in just five games in his NBA career with his last appearance dating back to April of 2015. However, in his lone NBA start, which was with the Lakers, Blue dropped 15 points.
Blue will likely be battling with Alex Caruso and Thomas Robinson for the 15th roster spot on the Lakers. Luckily for Blue, the Lakers are already deep enough at power forward, eliminating Robinson and boiling the roster battle down to two shooting guards.