The Los Angeles Lakers have been doing quite well in free agency. After signing mostly aging veterans last year, the team has decided to switch it up in the 2022 offseason. Their major acquisitions this time around have been younger prospects, like Lonnie Walker IV and Thomas Bryant. They aren't flashy moves, but they are solid pieces to build around their core.
The Lakers' offseason activity garnered the attention of Magic Johnson. In one of his classic tweets, Magic praised LA's signings this year. Here's what he had to say:
With these free agent signings, the @Lakers have become younger and more athletic! Iām excited about the signing of Thomas Bryant. With his ability to shoot the 3, he will create more space for LeBron and AD.
ā Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 7, 2022
I love Lonnie Walker because heās big, strong and athletic. The @Lakers also made some great additions to the roster with Troy Brown Jr., Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones!
ā Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 7, 2022
Thomas Bryant is actually an alumni of the Lakers, playing for the Purple and Gold back in 2017. After a season with LA's G League affiliate, he signed with the Washington Wizards. There, Bryant emerged as a reliable backup option at center, with the occasional good start sprinkled in there. Injuries derailed his final season in Washington, but there's hope that he can regain his old form playing behind Anthony Davis.
Lonnie Walker is also a great pickup for the Lakers. The former Spurs guard was largely overshadowed by DeMar DeRozan and Dejounte Murray in San Antonio. However, Walker has proved that he can be a solid option off the bench for a team. The departure of Malik Monk for Sacramento opens up a potentially larger role for Walker in Tinseltown.
Magic also shouted out Troy Brown Jr., Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones, three others joining the Lakers in free agency this year.
The Lakers aren't quite done making moves in the offseason, though. Part of the reason why they've been quiet in free agency is due to their goal of trading for Kyrie Irving. Talks about a potential LeBron James-Kyrie reunion have been circulating for quite some time now. Will the Lakers pull it off successfully before the season starts?
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