On Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers announced the signing of several players, stirring a strong reaction among NBA fans. These moves, involving undrafted rookies, have raised questions about the Lakers’ strategy and their ability to reinforce key positions amid ongoing roster challenges.
Details on the newcomers added to the Lakers roster
The Lakers have signed guards RJ Davis and Augustas Marciulionis, along with forwards Eric Dixon and Arthur Kaluma. Each of these players participated in the Summer League but went undrafted in the recent NBA draft. Their addition to the team has elicited mixed responses from fans, many of whom are uncertain about the newcomers’ potential impact.
RJ Davis stands out as the most notable of the group, having earned the 2024 ACC Player of the Year honors. During his last season with the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, Davis averaged 17.2 points and 3.6 assists per game, shooting 41.3% from the field. Though his Summer League performance was modest, averaging 6.1 points and 2.6 assists in about 15 minutes per game, his skills appear to have impressed Lakers management.
Arthur Kaluma, a 6-foot-6 wing, averaged 5.6 points and 2.0 rebounds in five Summer League outings, shooting 42.9%. Meanwhile, Villanova forward Eric Dixon was sidelined due to a foot injury and did not play, and Augustas Marciulionis also recorded no minutes in Summer League contests. These factors contribute to the uncertainty regarding their immediate roles in the Lakers’ rotation.
Fan reactions reveal doubts and divided opinions
Among the fanbase, responses varied widely following the announcement. Some expressed frustration and disappointment, questioning the merit of signing players who went undrafted. Comments included skepticism about whether LeBron James would support these moves.
“Signed nun but bs this summer [LeBron James] don’t deserve this,” a fan said.
“I see why LeBron wants to go to the Mavs,” another fan commented.
Other fans were plainly unfamiliar with the new players, voicing confusion about their identities.
“Who tf are these guys wtf,” one fan posted.
“Who tf are all these???” another fan commented.
Yet, not all reactions were negative. Some supporters highlighted RJ Davis’s college achievements positively and welcomed the Lakers’ signings as constructive additions.
“RJ??!!! Let’s go! IDK if ppl understand how solide dude was at UNC,” a fan wrote.
“Love these signings. Would’ve loved to see [Cole] Swider though,” one fan said.
Contract details and roster implications for the Lakers
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the four players signed Exhibit 10 contracts, which are non-guaranteed deals that allow the Lakers to retain incentives for development. If waived, these players could still earn up to $85,300 by spending at least 60 days with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
There remains a path for these rookies to earn standard NBA contracts. The Lakers could convert their deals from Exhibit 10 to two-way contracts, and then potentially upgrade them to full NBA contracts based on performance and team needs.
However, the expectation is that the signees will likely spend most of their time in the G League while providing organizational depth. This strategy aligns with the Lakers’ intent to develop talent while keeping roster flexibility.
Backup center position still a concern despite recent signings
One key issue fans and analysts are watching is the Lakers’ backup center role behind recent addition Deandre Ayton. Jaxson Hayes, who started 35 games last season, remains the expected primary backup big man. With roster construction currently at 14 standard contracts and two out of three two-way slots filled, the Lakers have one open roster spot left. This vacancy may be preserved for flexibility as the season approaches, leaving questions about how the team will bolster its frontcourt depth.
The significance of these new signings lies in both their potential upside and the message they send about the Lakers’ roster-building approach. While the players add promising young options, the team’s core depth, especially at critical positions like center, continues to be scrutinized. Fans and experts alike will watch closely how the Lakers balance development opportunities with immediate competitive needs in the coming months.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does LeBron James sleep 12 hours?
A. Since professional athletes use more energy than others, they usually sleep more than the advised 8 hours. LeBron James, for example, sleeps about 12 hours nightly. This is remarkable, especially because elite athletes frequently travel for games, making it tough to get enough rest.