The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be heavily involved in the trade market, but the organization could complete an unexpected free-agent signing this season.
The Lakers may reunite with JaVale McGee to give them a veteran low-post presence.
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McGee appeared in 46 regular season contests for the Sacramento Kings last season before becoming a free agent this past summer.
McGee, whose hilarious miscues made him a regular on Shaquille O’Neal’s “Shaqtin’ a Fool” program on TNT, isn’t ready to call it quits at 36.
As a springy 7-foot center with improved offensive positioning, balance, and finishing around the rim, McGee can still produce in a reserve role in the NBA.
More importantly, McGee has valuable experience playing alongside Anthony Davis in Los Angeles.
After the Nevada product’s successful two-year stint with the Golden State Warriors, winning back-to-back championships, McGee joined the Lakers in 2018.
When Davis was traded to the Lakers following the 2018-19 season, McGee had an opportunity to play with the nine-time All-Star and feed off of him nightly.
McGee averaged 6.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per contest on the NBA title-winning 2019-20 Lakers squad.
Unfortunately, Los Angeles moved on from the former first-round pick after Year 12, causing McGee to bounce around the league for a bit.
While there may be more appealing big men on the trade market this season, bringing McGee back for his second stint with the Lakers could be the most underrated signing of the year.