In November, the LA Lakers waived Matt Ryan and have sported an open roster ever since. With injuries playing a big role in their season, the Lakers need depth and consistency this season. Yesterday, it was announced that all 30 teams were able to sign free agents for 10-day contracts. But that was not what they did. The Lakers have given two role players fully guaranteed contracts for the remainder of the season.
With a 17-21 record this season, the Lakers may not be where they think they are at this point. With the team needing full-time depth, the Lakers guaranteed the contracts of Wayne Gabriel and Austin Reaves for the rest of the season.
NBA betting sites have the Lakers at (+3300) to win the Finals this season.
A home team takes care of the business. #LakersWin
Dennis Schroder: 32 pts, 4 pcs @nolimittb31: 21 points (9/11 FG), 9 rebounds@russwest44: 21 points, 8 reb, 9 ast, 3 stl pic.twitter.com/x6P4pbknxi
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 5, 2023
Gabriel and Reeves have guaranteed contracts in LA for the rest of the season
Both Wenyon Gabriel and Austin Reaves have been solid role players for the Lakers this season. Gabriel has played in 29 of the Lakers’ 38 games this season and is averaging 14.4 minutes per game. As the front man on the team, he will always struggle to see solid minutes behind LeBron. The 25-year-old pro still has the wattage to be effective for the Lakers this season.
Reaves has made a bit more of an impact on the Lakers this season and that’s because of his shooting ability. He’s one of the better three-point shooters on the team this season, averaging 36 percent. Additionally, he is averaging the fourth-most minutes per game (28.9) of any Laker this season. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news this morning and also reported that the Lakers are signing point guard Sterling Brown to a 10-day contract. Brown provides what the Lakers need most, shooting and defense.
Lakers head coach LeBron James has come out and talked about Reaves and what he has been able to do for the team this season.
