With LeBron James locked in, the Los Angeles Lakers quickly moved in securing a deal for multiple role players to surround him. First, it was reported that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would return to Los Angeles. Joining them, though, is one of the most intriguing signings to pair with James in Lance Stephenson.
Sources: It’s a one-year, $4.5 million deal. https://t.co/DUcYC4EDNo
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 2, 2018
First, the deal itself, a $4.5 million deal, would be the Lakers’ Room Level Exception, meaning Stephenson will be one of the final official signings announced. It also does not affect the available money for the Lakers.
As for the player himself, Stephenson was linked earlier on Sunday to the Lakers before the signing would later be finalized. Stephenson and James have had run-ins on the court, but similar to Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace on the Lakers and Rockets, respectively, a respect for one another was clearly formed.
Stephenson is another wing player to surround James with, a system he strives with and an area of weakness for the Lakers last season.
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