While they remained quiet throughout the first part of the free agency period, the Los Angeles Lakers had been viewing their options to make their first big move. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have a greater goal in mind with 2018 free agency, attempting to create one-year situations that won’t cut into their salary cap space in 2018.
After much patience, the Lakers made their first splash when they signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a one-year, $18 million deal. Caldwell-Pope now fills in a huge hole at the shooting guard position, while being able to provide lethal shooting and a defensive presence. The Lakers didn’t have much cap space to work with, seemingly spending their remaining amount on Caldwell-Pope. However, it seems as though the Lakers aren’t done yet.
The Lakers waived wing player David Nwaba on Wednesday to create the necessary space to sign Caldwell-Pope, but there are still potential moves on the horizon. According to Tania Ganguli of the L.A. Times, the Lakers remain in conversation with two potential point guard acquisitions:
By the way, Rajon Rondo and Tyler Ennis are still under consideration by the Lakers. They haven't decided yet how to proceed.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) July 12, 2017
Point guard Rajon Rondo has been one name consistently linked to the Lakers, as a potential mentor that can certainly ease the load off of Lonzo Ball. The NBA champion also met with the Lakers brass on the same day as Caldwell-Pope, potentially discussing a way he can fit. Rondo averaged 7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists last season with the Chicago Bulls.
Tyler Ennis is also another interesting option that the Lakers are very familiar with. After being dealt to L.A from the Rockets Ennis took advantage of his opportunity. He averaged career highs in points (7.7), assists (2.4) and steals (0.9), while shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from three-point range.
It came out that the Lakers are still interested in acquiring Rondo on Tuesday, following the Caldwell-Pope situation. Los Angeles remains in the market for a quality backup point guard that can serve as a positive presence on the roster.