Former LeBron James Teammate Shockingly Spurns Lakers In Free Agency

Seemingly a week doesn't go by without the Lakers front office finding a way to embarrass themselves. Since free agency began in July, countless players have spurned the Lakers. As a result, Los Angeles has failed to make any upgrades to the roster and is bringing back the same team from last year.

However, the latest free agent news is the most embarrassing one yet for the Lakers. Cedi Osman, one of the best free agents remaining on the market, has reportedly signed with the reigning Euroleague champs Panathinaikos despite Lakers' interest. According to Eurohoops.net which first reported the news, Osman had an offer on the table from Los Angeles. But because it was a non-guaranteed deal that would have required him to compete for a spot in training camp, he opted to go back to Europe instead.

"He also received interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, which invited him for a training camp; however, due to the lack of guarantees about making it to the season roster, he decided to refuse and come back to Europe."

- Eurohoops.net

This is embarrassing on multiple fronts. The only reason the Lakers can't offer Osman a guaranteed deal is that they don't have a roster spot available due to the disastrous decisions they made earlier. Last offseason, they gave player options to Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes, and Cam Reddish for the 2024-25 season. After expectedly underwhelming seasons, they all picked up their options and now waste three spots on the roster. Osman would have been an upgrade on all three of those players.

Plus, Cedi Osman and LeBron James are former teammates. The Turkish forward was a rookie during LeBron's final season in Cleveland and was a surprise starter at times during the Cavs' run to the NBA Finals. The two have been close friends who work out together during the offseason.

The fact that the Lakers can't even sign someone LeBron would presumably want is extremely disappointing. This organization is supposed to be the most glamorous franchise in the NBA. However, thanks to the Buss family and Rob Pelinka, they have gotten to a point where they are losing free agents to the Euroleague. What a disaster.

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