While the entire NBA waits for Kawhi Leonard’s free agency decision, two notable retired players are reportedly hankering for a return to the best basketball league in the world. According to Jordan Schultz of ESPN, Monta Ellis and Amar’e Stoudemire will have private workouts with 5-6 NBA teams in Las Vegas.
Amar’e Stoudemire and Monta Ellis will workout privately for at least five NBA teams from 6-7pm — in Las Vegas — on July 8, a source tells ESPN. Both players are healthy and hoping to sign with a contending team, such as the #Lakers.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 4, 2019
Of course one of the teams mentioned as a potential landing spot for the well-traveled veterans is the Lakers, as any and all legacy name in the NBA is likely to be linked to Los Angeles now that LeBron James has a team that is more suited to his age and skill level.
Well, at this point, it’s less of a team and more of “a collection of 3-4 players,” but with all of these veterans coming out of the woodwork, as well as the forthcoming free agency period, the Lakers are sure to trot out a fairly impressive squad next season – with or without Kawhi Leonard.
The Lakers are surely an open book as of right now, so both Stoudemire and Ellis should be able to get real minutes for L.A. immediately.
Stoudemire last played as a member of the Miami Heat in the 2015-16 season, and Ellis last played for the Pacers in he 2016-17 campaign. Stoudemire will turn 37 in November and Ellis will be 34 in October.
Both players have scored more than 14,000 total points in their career and have proven to be extremely effective in their roles as rim-running big man (Stoudemire) and volume scorer (Ellis).
Follow Us
Subscribe