The Los Angeles Lakers are set to begin the 2016-17 NBA season as training camp kicks off in only a few days. The team can bring in up to 20 players to training camp and with their recent agreement to re-sign Metta World Peace, the Lakers found themselves at 19.
That final roster spot has now apparently been filled as Shams Charania of The Vertical reports that the Lakers have agreed to a deal with power forward Thomas Robinson:
“Free-agent forward Thomas Robinson has agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told The Vertical.
Robinson, 25, has been working out daily for the Lakers and plans to sign Thursday, sources said.”
The signing of Robinson will be the final one for the Lakers as they are now at their maximum amount of players. Robinson will now be one of a number of players competing for a roster spot. The Lakers have 14 fully guaranteed contracts on the roster, while Yi Jianlian has a large portion of his contract guaranteed.
The ongoing question is whether or not Nick Young will remain on the roster. The Lakers have reportedly been shopping Young, and many believe the Lakers will ultimately release Young which would surely open up a spot for Robinson, World Peace or one of the other recent Lakers signees.
In addition to the veteran signings, the Lakers have also brought in Zach Auguste, Travis Wear, and Julian Jacobs.
Robinson has struggled to find a consistent home since being drafted fifth overall in 2012. He has already played for five teams in only four years, spending last year with the Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 4.3 points and 5.1 rebounds in 71 games for the Nets last season.
One issue Robinson may face in making the team is the crowded front court the Lakers have. Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr., Yi Jianlian, Timofey Mozgov, Tarik Black, and Ivica Zubac are all guaranteed spots on the team making it a tough road for Robinson.