Creativity is the word that I use to describe free agency for the Los Angeles Lakers. To their credit, they are already in the lab looking at ways to fill their roster by way of a free-agent workout. The squad has LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Talen Horton-Tucker, Austin Reaves, Stanley Johnson, and Wenyen Gabriel under contract with Kendrick Nunn and Russell Westbrook holding player options for next season.
Amidst NBA Draft workouts, the team held free agent workouts as well. Per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, there were some familiar veterans and intriguing young players:
The Lakers held a free agent workout on Tuesday, sources told ESPN. Participants included Langston Galloway, Kyle Guy, Alize Johnson, Louis King and D.J. Wilson. LAL could have as many as seven open roster spots to fill this summer on its 15-man roster.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 8, 2022
(McMenamin would later add that Vitto Brown — a former Wisconsin Badger and current player in Spain — also worked out with the team.)
The Lakers appear to be looking for guard and forward help.
Kyle Guy, Louis King, and Langston Galloway are ball players that could provide shooting in a pinch. Guy is a former Miami Heat, so he’s familiar with the NBA grind and structure. King is a former Summer League MVP for the Sacramento Kings. Galloway spent last season with both the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks.
Alize Johnson is a high-energy forward that played on a few teams last season. He certainly possesses a motor that could be useful, depending on the opportunities he can create for himself.
One of the more interesting names on the list is D.J. Wilson. He’s a 2017 NBA draftee that was drafted 17th overall, ten spots ahead of former Lakers forward, Kyle Kuzma. Wilson spent four seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks – a time in which Darvin Ham was also there. He checks the boxes of youth and athleticism standing at 6’10” and being able to float through all front-court spots in some matchups.
While this list of names doesn’t jump off the page, I like the idea of starting their scouting early. The best parts about these players’ games also gives insight to what they’re looking for: shooting, youth, and versatility. Last year, they kind of had shooting, but they didn’t have the young legs until many of the hits set in and dig them a big hole.
The Lakers are going to need luck in free agency, but that doesn’t mean that can’t create that on their own. It’s encouraging to see them at work right now.
