7 Former Lakers Still Unemployed After 2 Months of Free Agency
By Cem Yolbulan
Tristan Thompson
Tristan Thompson finds himself in a similar situation to Markieff Morris. The veteran big man is a respected player around the league and is consistently brought in for his extensive experience. He has been on a different playoff team in each of his last four seasons; Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Cleveland and could presumably find another team as we inch closer to the start of the regular season.
However, at age 33, Thompson doesn't have much left to give on the court. He is still a good rebounder and a solid physical presence but he is very limited offensively.
The Lakers had signed him back in 2023 as a defensive specialist to guard Nikola Jokic in the playoffs. One can see another team doing the same next season.
JaVale McGee
After winning the 2020 NBA championship with the Lakers, JaVale McGee has struggled to replicate that success elsewhere. He spent the last four years on five different teams, failing to become a full-time starter.
McGee is one of the most experienced and decorated free agents out there. He was the starting center on two title-winning teams (2020 Lakers and 2018 Warriors) and a major contributor off the bench in another (2017 Warriors). He has 74 playoff appearances under his belt.
As an interior presence in the paint, rebounder, and rim protector, McGee could help a team for ten minutes per game. Don't be shocked, however, if he chooses to retire instead.