Free agent forward James Ennis worked out for the Lakers this week, sources tell Jovan Buha of The Athletic (Twitter link). Ennis, who was linked to Los Angeles earlier in free agency, would make sense as a depth piece on the wing for the Lakers, who only have 13 players on guaranteed contracts.
As we relayed earlier today, the Lakers figure to keep their 15th roster spot open during the regular season to keep their projected tax bill in check, but the 14th spot remains up for grabs.
Here’s more from around the West:
- The Suns issued a press release today announcing some additions to their coaching staff, including Michael Ruffin as an assistant. Ruffin has some experience working under Monty Williams in the past, having served as an assistant on the Pelicans’ staff from 2014-20. The 2014/15 season was Williams’ last as New Orleans’ head coach.
- Nassir Little, the 25th pick in the 2019 draft, hasn’t made a major impact for the Trail Blazers during his first two years in the NBA, but he has turned heads this offseason, according to Jason Quick of The Athletic. Quick says team officials are intrigued by Little and believe he can “contribute in a way that is unique.” While the 21-year-old figures to play mostly a three-and-D role, Little says new head coach Chauncey Billups also wants to see him improve his play-making skills.
- Sarah Todd of The Deseret News examines nine questions the Jazz should answer by the end of training camp next week, including whether their star guards – Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley – are healthy and pain-free after dealing with injuries late last season.
So is Nassir Little the Anfernee Simons? Remember how blazers hyped him up a few years ago? Blazers GM calling every other GM in the league:
-This is Portland, we are not trading you Anfernee Simons, he is untouchable!
-What? You’re the one who is calling me!
-Sorry, cant talk! Untouchable!
If Portland is to take any significant steps forward it will be due to the growth and development of guys like Little and Simons. If those two can step up alongside Powell and Nurkic, and then CJ and Dame stay healthy, Portland can definitely be one of the last four in the West. Denver, Phoenix, Utah, and possibly both LA squads might have something to each say about that, but Portland finally has the pieces, and they are primed to finally make a run, it all is just going to come down to health.
Every year it seems like they have 1 or 2 of their key guys go down for a significant stretch, or for the season, and they get knocked out because of it. If they can stay healthy, with the squad they got now, they’ll be a really tough out come playoff time.
Thats the case, especially if they can add another Center to rest and backup Nurkic. I don’t think Zeller is a guy they can really count on, do they’ll likely need to make a trade to make a real run, but they have enough as they stand now to really make some noise. Either way, the West is going to be alot of fun to watch play out this upcoming season!!
Also, if Wiggins gets his shot, and Klay comes back healthy the Warriors will be a really intriguing mixture of veterans and extremely talented youngsters where they could even end up challenging some teams..
The East will be fun too with the Bulls additions, the Knicks improving, Atlanta’s depth of young studs, the Bucks, the 76ers coming back, and the Goon Squad down in Dade County…
Actually is better for GSW if Wigs doesn’t get the vax… that way Kuminga can play the starting 3, which will greatly elevate the level of the team, as he is together with Green the generational talents of this draft!
In my opinion Wigs is just blocking minutes that Kuminga must have as a starter from game 1, that is of course if GSW wants to compete, they need Kuminga, with Wigs they ain’t competing with no one!
Ennis would be the perfect last add for the Lakers
They need a 3/4 versatile defender who can stretch the floor and mop up minutes in blow outs. Too many minutes presumably falling on Melos plate at the moment
I think so too
Anthony is no longer on the Blazer Roster considering he signed with the Flakers in LA
Next you will be crying Damian Lillard is on a different team as well hahaha
He still a long ways to go & he needs to take a big step in his 3rd season in the league.
Little is more of a closer than an “opener”. Tough call by Billups
I had originally expected to see Little provide some help at the 4, where they were lacking, but after they added Nance, Chriss, and drafted brown, I could see him maybe giving them some help as a 2, which would fit the defense I’ve mentioned they could use at the guard spots, but it still remains to be seen how that might fit with their wing options in certain lineups