Former Lakers Rookie Signs With West Contender Ahead of Training Camp
The 2024-25 NBA season is just over a month away and all eyes will be on the Los Angeles Lakers when the new campaign begins. The Lakers are looking to bounce back from the spring's unfortunate playoff elimination and a postseason return requires everyone — from veterans and rookies — to do their part.
One player who won't be helping the Lakers this offseason is undrafted rookie Blake Hinson, who was waived by the team last week to make room for Christian Koloko. While being waived isn't the best feeling for anyone (let alone a rookie), Hinson didn't have to wait long for his next crack at continuing his NBA career.
Lakers News: Warriors Sign Blake Hinson
NBA insider Michael Scotto is reporting that Hinson has signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Golden State Warriors. According to Scotto, the former Lakers rookie received offers from "several teams" but decided to join the Warriors at the end of the day.
Golden State Warriors and Blake Hinson have agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Hinson, who was on a two-way deal with the Lakers, chose the Warriors over several teams. He averaged 18.5 points and shot 42.1% from 3-point range at Pittsburgh last season. pic.twitter.com/OC8hyOBDYd
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 19, 2024
For those unfamiliar with the term, an Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum. It can also isn't guaranteed and can be converted into a two-way contract before the 2024-25 NBA season begins.
It isn't hard to see what the Lakers and (now) Warriors saw in the former Pittsburgh product. Hinson was one of the ACC's best players last year as he averaged 18.5 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 45.4% from the floor and a conference-best 42.1% from deep, earning first-team All-ACC honors for the first time.
After signing with the Lakers in July, Hinson went on to play eight NBA Summer League Games with the franchise. He played just under 21 minutes per game as he averaged 10.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and .341/.328/.714 shooting splits.
As promising as Hinson appeared, he didn't fit the Lakers' needs at the moment. We'll see if his decision to join the Warriors pays off as the season progresses.
Los Angeles fans won't have to wait long before potentially seeing the undrafted rookie again. Two of the Lakers' six upcoming preseason games are against the Warriors with the first one taking place at crypto.com Arena on Oct. 15.
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