The Kings have had a relatively quiet 2021 offseason thus far, Zach Harper of The Athletic observes in a thorough recap of Sacramento’s transactions across every position. Sacramento shored up their big man depth behind Richaun Holmes, whom they re-signed to a reasonable four-year, $46.5MM deal. Sacramento also added Tristan Thompson via trade and brought back old friend Alex Len on a two-year agreement.
Harper notes that the Kings appear to have also improved on the lead guard front, having drafted Summer League co-MVP Davion Mitchell with the ninth selection out of Baylor. However, Harper opines that, thanks to the strength of several clubs at the top of the Western Conference, the Kings will be once again struggling to make the play-in tournament for the 2022 postseason.
Another item of interest is the long-term future of maximum-salaried Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox with the team, in the wake of 2021 All-Rookie first team guard Tyrese Haliburton and now Mitchell both flashing significant promise.
There’s more out of California:
- New Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time All-Star, reflected on his first official workout for Los Angeles, held at the UCLA Health Training Center. “That purple and gold is different, it always has been and it always will be,” Anthony said, per Spectrum SportsNet (Twitter video link). “I’m just happy to be a part of it. I wish my fans could see me here working, but just know that I’m in here working.” Anthony, 37, proved his mettle as a valuable offensive role player for two playoff-bound Trail Blazers teams during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons. Last year, Anthony averaged 13.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, and 1.5 APG, while posting a solid shooting line of .421/.409/.890.
- The veteran-heavy Lakers added a lot of familiar faces, including five who have played for the team before. Dave McMenamin of ESPN details how the five once-and-future Lakers made their way back to Los Angeles, and what the team and fans should reasonably anticipate from their on-court output. Three of those former Lakers have won titles with the club. Point guard Rajon Rondo (previously with the Lakers from 2018-20) and center Dwight Howard (a Laker for the 2012/13 and the 2019/20 seasons) were both members of a championship-winning 2019/20 L.A. squad. Forward Trevor Ariza was a key two-way player for the 2008/09 champions.
- In case you missed it, former NBA point guard Darren Collison scrimmaged with the Warriors this week ahead of a potential comeback. Collison, a California native, was most recently the starting point guard for a playoff-bound Pacers club during the 2018/19 season.
Collison never had a below average season (based on point shares per 48 minutes at basketball reference)
Not one. In fact, the season before he retired he was among the most efficient PGs in the league
If he still has his skills he’d be a legitimate addition to any contender
Seriously, I don’t know why every team isn’t after him.
Maybe because he hasn’t played a single game in two full seasons?
A short bench in the playoffs will be a blessing for a Lakers team that will be on oxygen and g league fill ins by seasons end. There are obvious reasons why declining players like Ariza and half this roster were let go by there respective teams. They can’t play anymore.
Sixers offered Howard more money than lakers….Bazemore awash offered more by warriors too. Monk and nunn took less as well, it’s been reported by actual people that know. You fail to mention that lakers added 4/5 guys on vet minimums not big bloated contracts. Sadly no truth just your apparent hate for the lakers in your rant.
lakers suck. bunch of dinosaurs on that team lol will be funny when howard,rondo,ariza,melo play like trash
Offered more money means what. Howard was let go my friend, Bazemore was let go my friend Anthony and rondo were shown the door my friend, Nunn after numerous opportunities was given his freedom my friend, monk is a bust my man. This is a old team, a injury prone team that got older not better.
You just got tattooed Ojdiddoit !
So he just got tattooed by one of the biggest homers here? Anytime someone speaks the truth about the Lakers, they’re a hater. Got it.
Says THEE biggest homer on here.
Your a big homer yourself dumb dumb, and a very spiteful one at that
Nobody takes a word you speak seriously b/c of it
Try being normal and maybe people will treat you as such
Yikes. Bitter kid… You mustn’t understand the NBA & the fact that the PLAYERS essentially have all the power. If they want out, they’re out. And they’re off to the team of their choosing in most respects… To say these guys can’t play is just silly though — EVERY wing player popped 40%+ from deep this past year. EVERY low post player (AD, Dwight, Gasol, DeAndre) is desired by 90% of the teams in the Association. Last but not least, EVERY team in the entire NBA would kill to have LeBron and/or Westbrook… To me, the maneuvering done to put this type of insane squad together only deserves a tip of that hat to Rob Pelinka & Jeanie Buss.
I have a feeling that Carmelo’s sweet spot was with the Blazers. It’s all about fit and I’m not sure Carmelo Anthony will flourish with the Lakers as he did with the Blazers. He had trouble in his stops at OKC and Houston. I think he should have stayed with Portland.
Portland did not offer
Valid perspective. Frank Vogel & staff will need to finesse that situation.
Without melo i see the Blazers reaching the finals where they will get swept by the Nets but enjoy the ride
Kings probably finish in the lottery and draft another PG.
Hopefully Bagley will step up for the Kings and help them make the playoffs. He should be well motivated by see what Trae and Luka have done.
Not sure why the Sixers haven’t contacted Collison. If/When they deal Simmons they may need a vet PG to go with Maxey.
Another lame Laker take.