OCTOBER 14: The Lakers have waived Mason, according to the team (Twitter link). He looks like a good candidate to join the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
OCTOBER 13: Mason’s signing is official, the Lakers announced (via Twitter).
OCTOBER 6: The Lakers are signing free agent guard Frank Mason III, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via Twitter). Since the team has an open spot on its 20-man preseason roster, no corresponding move will be required.
Wojnarowski classifies Mason’s deal with the Lakers as a training camp contract. Technically, training camps are over now with the preseason underway, but calling the contract a camp deal simply means it’ll be non-guaranteed, perhaps with Exhibit 10 language included.
Mason, the 34th overall pick in the 2017 draft, has bounced around the NBA a little since beginning his career with the Kings. He has since seen action for the Bucks and Magic, and also signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Philadelphia last December.
In 103 total NBA games, Mason has averaged 6.7 PPG, 2.6 APG, and 2.0 RPG in 15.7 minutes per contest, with mediocre shooting numbers (.396/.301/.755). However, he had a huge year in the G League in 2019/20, averaging 25.3 PPG with a .502/.428/.815 shooting line in 24 games (30.2 MPG) and earning NBAGL MVP honors.
Los Angeles has just 13 players on fully guaranteed contracts, but may not carry a 15th player to start the season. Mason has more NBA experience than L.A.’s other camp invitees and could become the team’s 14th man, though it’s possible the Lakers envision him as a player who will join their G League affiliate rather than one who will make the regular season roster.
I liked this kid. He is a hard worker and deserves a shot. I think he could contribute in the rotation
Too young for the Lakers.
Haha
Their fans like to talk about the insane amount of depth they have, but the Lakers backups were blown out at home against the Nets 123-97. Then they were outscored 102-74 in the first three quarters in Phoenix. It’s not like Brooklyn or the Suns were at full strength themselves. Is LA better now?
Hope he’s ready to try and catch the passes from Russ before they go out of bounds.
Should be a darn good G league team this year.