Los Angeles Lakers NBA News and Rumors: Team Adds 5 Players Ahead of Preseason
The Los Angeles Lakers preseason begins in two weeks against the Denver Nuggets. After a terrible 2013 season, in which the team lost a franchise record 55 games, management has taken a different direction. Adding Carlos Boozer and Jeremy Lin were the two biggest moves of the Lakers off-season so far.
Recently, the Lakers signed shooting guard Wayne Ellington.
There is a connection between Ellington and the Lakers management. In 2013, Ellington played for Scott as member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who Byron Scott coached. Scott is now the head coach of the Lakers. With the Cavaliers that season, Ellington averaged 10.4 points per game on 43.9 percent shooting. Ellington also shot a very impressive 89.8 percent from the free throw line that year.
While Ellington isn't expected to be the next big superstar in Los Angeles, the 26-year-old can provide relief off the bench. Ellington is a good three point shooter who can help the Lakers next season, especially when paired with Nick Young.
The Lakers also added depth to their training camp roster.
The team signed guards Keith Appling and Jabari Brown. Appling had an impressive four-year run at Michigan State, increasing his assist average every season. While Appling doesn't provide a large body or good free throw shooting, he is an efficient shooter from the field. Brown, a shooting guard from Missouri, averaged nearly 20 points per game in his final college season. Brown was one of the best SEC three point shooters, but he didn't get drafted. There's a good chance Brown will make the Lakers team this season.
The biggest issue facing the Lakers this upcoming season is their front court play. The Lakers don't have great centers and forwards to compete with the best teams in a loaded Western Conference.
The Lakers added two forwards to their training camp roster.
Roscoe Smith, who won the 2011 NCAA Championship with Connecticut, played his final college season at Nevada-Las Vegas. Smith struggled rebounding at UCONN, but during his final season he averaged more than 11 rebounds per game. Smith isn't a lock to make this year's Lakers squad, as he did go undrafted as well.
The most interesting signing by the Lakers was Jeremy Taylor. Taylor is only 23 years old, but he has played for the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks. Taylor, who was drafted in the second round in 2011 by the Warriors, has only started 23 career NBA games, and he does provide size. Tyler is two inches and 35 pounds taller than Smith. In the 2012-13 season, Taylor averaged more than 10 rebounds per 36 minutes. Holding on to Taylor might be a good idea for rebounding purposes.
Kobe Bryant and Jeremy Lin are expected to lead the Lakers front court this upcoming season, but holes in the back court do leave questions. These recent signings show fans that management is trying to fix the issues.
For up-to-date sports news, scores, and more, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter