BREAKING! Lakers Make 2 Sneaky Moves with Key .........Read more

Lakers Make 2 Sneaky Moves with Key Signings Ahead of 2024-25 Season

As the 2024-25 NBA season draws near, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to make strategic moves to enhance their roster. While the Lakers may not have landed the major star acquisitions that many fans hoped for, they are steadily building a younger core with potential. The latest offseason signings of Kylor Kelley and Quincy Olivari signal the team’s commitment to balancing experience with youthful talent as they prepare for another competitive season.

One of the Lakers’ newest additions, Kylor Kelley, brings a strong defensive presence to the team. Kelley, a former standout in the NBA G League, played for teams such as the Austin Spurs, Raptors 905, and Maine Celtics. During his G League career, he made a name for himself as a formidable shot-blocker, leading the league in blocks per game during the 2023-24 season.

Kelley’s ability to protect the rim will be a crucial asset for the Lakers, especially as they look to bolster their defense. In addition to his shot-blocking prowess, Kelley averaged 7.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game in 17.5 minutes of play. His best performance came with the Maine Celtics, where he set a franchise record for most blocks in a single season. With such defensive skills, Kelley has the potential to become a valuable contributor to the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation.

Quincy Olivari, the other recent addition to the Lakers, is fresh out of college and ready to make his mark in the NBA. Olivari had a strong collegiate career, where he showcased his scoring ability. In his final year of college basketball, he averaged 19.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He further demonstrated his potential during the Summer League, putting up an impressive 20 points against the Chicago Bulls.

Olivari’s signing reflects the Lakers’ strategy of injecting youthful energy into their roster. His scoring ability and versatility on the court could make him a valuable asset, particularly off the bench. While transitioning from college to the NBA is never easy, Olivari’s Summer League performance suggests that he has the talent and drive to succeed at the professional level

The Lakers’ focus on younger players like Kelley and Olivari highlights a shift in their roster-building strategy. While they have seasoned veterans such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, the addition of younger talent could provide the energy and depth needed to compete throughout a grueling NBA season.

However, the Lakers have not made the splashy free-agent signings that some fans expected. Despite rumors linking them to high-profile players like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, the Lakers ultimately missed out on those targets. This has placed more emphasis on the development of their young players, as the team looks to build a sustainable foundation for the future.

With the offseason nearly over, the Lakers are gearing up for the start of the 2024-25 campaign. The team will also participate in the Emirates NBA Cup, a new in-season tournament that adds another layer of excitement to the schedule. The Lakers’ first game in the tournament will be against the San Antonio Spurs on November 15, followed by a high-profile matchup against the Phoenix Suns on November 26.

As the Lakers continue to make moves, the balance between veteran leadership and youthful potential will be critical to their success. With Kelley and Olivari now in the mix, the team is quietly positioning itself for a competitive season, hoping that these under-the-radar signings will pay off in a big way.