The Los Angeles Lakers have been looking to bring in a backup point guard for the past couple of weeks. After striking out on veteran Derrick Rose the Lakers have found their guy and it is a familiar face.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne the Lakers have agreed to a two-year deal with Tyler Ennis to return to the team:
Lakers have agreed to a one-year minimum contract with Tyler Ennis. Team option on Year 2, per league source.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 25, 2017
Ennis has always been mentioned as a possibility to return to the team. He had an excellent end to the season as he showed off his ability to make plays for others and was a great shooter off the ball as well.
Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka seemed intent on finding a veteran to backup rookie Lonzo Ball and be a mentor for him. Because of that the Lakers focused on players like Rose or Warriors guard Ian Clark. Ultimately bringing back Ennis turned out to be the best move for both sides.
In bringing him in on a minimum deal with a team option for the 2018-19 season, the Lakers again keep total flexibility for next offseason when they hope to have the salary cap space to sign two max-level players. LeBron James, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook are all expected to be on the market next summer among others.
For this season, Ennis will be expected to lead the Lakers bench unit which is shaping up to be a very impressive one. Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., and rookie Kyle Kuzma should all be part of the reserves that could play a huge role for the team.
In 22 games with the Lakers last season, Ennis averaged 7.7 points and 2.4 assists while shooting 45.1 percent from the field and an impressive 38.9 percent from three-point range.