Lakers Turned Down By Yet Another Free Agent Target
The Los Angeles Lakers have been constantly discussed over the last couple of weeks. Although there have been plenty of reports coming from the Lakers, they have failed to make any meaningful additions.
They've only hired JJ Redick to become the next head coach before adding Dalton Knecht and Bronny James in the NBA Draft.
Outside of those moves, the Lakers didn't make any outside additions and were turned down once again by a free agent.
Free agent G Gary Trent Jr. has agreed on a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, Rich Paul and Lucas Newton of @klutchsports tell ESPN. Trent reunites with Damian Lillard and joins a Bucks organization that recruited him hard to chase a title with them. pic.twitter.com/jXmQuCcRMx
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 16, 2024
NBA News: Gary Trent Jr. Signs With Milwaukee Bucks
On July 16, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that guard Gary Trent Jr. is joining the Milwaukee Bucks on a one-year deal.
Although we don't know the salary for Trent's deal, it was going to be tough for the Lakers to sign him regardless.
They had to find a way to shed some cash and create more cap space but that never transpired. Instead, the 25-year-old decided to stay in the Eastern Conference. He's a smooth floor spacer who can create his own shot and be disruptive in passing lanes.
Last season for the Raptors, he averaged 13.7 points, 1.1 steals, and shot a career-high 39% from downtown. A player like that playing off of LeBron James and Anthony Davis would have been exceptional.
Instead, the Lakers have missed out on yet another free agent. Los Angeles failed to land Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, Jonas Valančiūnas, and now Trent Jr.
There could be even more players that aren't being revealed to the public. Los Angeles used to be a destination where many free agents wanted to sign with.
Now it looks like those days are really behind the organization. They have a James-Davis duo who have won at the highest level together but lately, it's been extremely difficult to get anyone to join.
GM Rob Pelinka needs to pull a rabbit out of his hat to drastically improve this team for next season. If not, things may be looking bleak for the Lakers in an ultra-competitive Western Conference.
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