Los Angeles Lakers: What JaVale McGee and Lance Stephenson bring

The biggest move the Los Angeles Lakers made this offseason was signing LeBron James. However, JaVale McGee and Lance Stephenson still look to play a part in the Lakers’ success.

This summer the Los Angeles Lakers signed center JaVale McGee and swingman Lance Stephenson to 1-year deals. McGee will make $2.4 million and Stephenson $4.4 million; both bringing different things to the Los Angeles Lakers.

JaVale McGee is known for being on Shaqtin’ a Fool numerous of times, but he is a perfect role player for a team like the lakers. Mcgee provides the Lakers with a good pick and roll player, he rolls to the basket hard and creates perfect lob angles for the passer.

With his athletic ability, McGee can rim run well.  Rim running will bode well for LeBron James and Lonzo Ball, who figures to be the primary ball handlers. McGee will be a rim protector on defense, something the Lakers have lacked the last several years.

Lance Stephenson is a high-intensity player. Stephenson has long been know as an instigator and energizer. I think that what the Lakers were looking for in their locker room.

Stephenson is not a consistent scorer, but he can get buckets. He shot 49.5 percent from two last year, but only 28.9 percent from three. Lance can handle the ball. Also, he can take you off the dribble and has decent passing skills to get his teammates involved.

Another aspect of Stephenson game that will help the Lakers is his willingness to defend and rebound. The Lakers have lacked a defensive identity for a while now, Stephenson will help turn that around.

Lastly, Stephenson is known for being a LeBron James antagonizer. Their matchups have been pretty eventful.  It is crazy now that they will be teammates this year. Lance is one of the most entertaining players in the NBA and will be on one of the biggest stages.

In the end, JaVale Mcgee and Lance Stephenson will bring much needed defensive help to a Lakers team that desperately needs it.