Player movement on Day 1 of NBA free agency wasn't as rapid fire as last offseason, but it was nonetheless pretty busy, and the Lakers were very active, moving quickly to leverage both exceptions available to them.The rundown of activity:
Signed forward Taurean Prince to a one year deal worth a reported $4.5 million, likely the team's biannual exception.
Signed Miami guard Gabe Vincent to a 3 year, $33 million deal, with the team's full midlevel exception - the one opened up when they declined their option on Malik Beasley, and released Mo Bamba.
Signed forward Cam Reddish to a two-year deal at the veteran's minimum. This, like Thanos, was inevitable. Can the Lakers actually help him meet his potential?
Re-signed forward Rui Hachimura to a three year deal at $17 million per, a nice payout for Hachimura. A little higher perhaps than the Lakers hoped, but still low enough that...
...the Lakers still have enough to re-sign Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell (assuming he doesn't get something way above what market price looks like it'll be). The Lakers will then fill the rest of the roster out with minimum, or near minimum deals, depending on the exact number Russell (presumably) agrees to in his return. That's the plan, at least. Whether the rest of the league cooperates it's hard to say. After all the movement on Friday, there are fewer teams with cap space to make Russell an offer above the full midlevel. And how many of those teams would go there?Bruce Brown, a major target of the Lakers, went to Indiana for more than the Lakers could offer. Dennis Schröder is heading to Toronto on a two year deal, again for more than the Lakers could offer. So did the Lakers do well on Day 1? A lot will depend on what happens with Russell, but overall signs are promising. Prince, while flawed, will provide a presence they didn't necessarily have last year, and Vincent is a nice replacement for Schröder. Reddish is a flier worth taking. They had to bring Hachimura back, and did.So a good start!HOSTS: Andy and Brian KamenetzkySupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed.PrizePicksFirst time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDONFanDuelMake Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices