Matthew Valento

1 week ago | lakersnation.com | Matthew Valento

During an impressive NBA Finals run in 2023 with the Miami Heat, guard Gabe Vincent turned heads with his postseason play. That ultimately got the attention of the Los Angeles Lakers, who signed him to a three-year, $33 million contract the following offseason. Unfortunately, Vincent’s first season in L.A. did not go as planned as he only suited up in 11 games. He struggled with a left knee effusion injury and the 28-year-old never looked 100% healthy even when he played.

3 weeks ago | lakersnation.com | Matthew Valento

This summer is another important one for Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, as he is tasked with building around a new star and franchise face in Luka Doncic. However, Pelinka is in an interesting position due to LeBron James’ presumed return for his 23rd season. The front office needs to find a balance between acquiring pieces to accompany Doncic for years to come and meshing with James in the short term.

3 weeks ago | lakersnation.com | Matthew Valento

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson is regarded as one of, if not the best, point guards to ever play and he continues to be invested in today’s iteration of the NBA. After playing 13 seasons and then getting into coaching and ownership, Johnson sampled being a front office executive for L.A. in 2017 before resigning in 2019. Due to the taxing nature of constructing winning rosters, Johnson opted to take a step back and enjoy basketball as a fan.

3 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Matthew Valento

As Blake mentions, this comes as a move to play in the FIBA World Cup Americas Pre-Qualifiers in August. Although Barnes was not born in Jamaica, his father was born and raised there, which makes him eligible. Defense looks to be a theme for the Jamaican national team as they have already brought on Amen and Ausar Thompson and Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart.

3 weeks ago | lakersnation.com | Matthew Valento

When JJ Redick was hired by the Los Angeles Lakers, Rui Hachimura was a player who needed to be unlocked more in his system, particularly on the defensive end of the floor. When L.A. acquired Hachimura from the Washington Wizards, he became an intriguing scoring option next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But this season presented a challenge as the Lakers lacked the necessary frontcourt defensive talent.