LA Lakers Rumors Roundup: Lakers to sign 2 undrafted rookies to two-way deals, Kemba Walker predicted to sign with franchise and more | June 25th, 2022
The LA Lakers bought their way into Thursday's NBA draft, getting the No. 35 pick from the Orlando Magic. The Lakers sent cash and a future second-round pick to Orlando to acquire Max Christie. He's a freshman out of Michigan State with the potential to become an effective 3-and-D player.
In addition to Christie, the Lakers signed a couple of undrafted free agents to two-way deals. They are also expected to be active in the trade and free agency markets, and have already been linked to a couple of targets.
Here is the latest LA Lakers rumors roundup for June 25 brought to you by Sportskeeda.
LA Lakers signing Scottie Pippen Jr. and Cole Swider to two-way contracts
The LA Lakers have been very good at finding undrafted gems in the past few years. The Lakers unearthed Alex Caruso in 2017, while Austin Reaves was a surprise contributor last season. This offseason, they have already signed two undrafted prospects to two-way deals.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers have given their two two-way spots to Scottie Pippen Jr. and Cole Swider. Pippen is the son of Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen. He spent three years with Vanderbilt before declaring for the draft.
Syracuse sharpshooter Cole Swider has agreed to a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Swider and Pippen Jr. take over the Lakers‘ two slots.
Meanwhile, Swider is a sharpshooting guard from Syracuse. He spent the first three seasons of his college career at Villanova before honing his skills under Jim Boeheim. He averaged 13.9 points per game in his final season with Syracuse, while shooting 47.3% from beyond the arc.
Clippers sharpshooter considered perfect trade target for Lakers
The LA Clippers' Luke Kennard led the league in 3-point shooting percentage last season at 44.9%. It's one of the reasons why Jason Reed of Lake Show Life called Kennard the perfect trade target for the LA Lakers. Reed noted that Kennard can perfectly complement LeBron James.
Reed pointed out that Kennard's shooting would be a perfect fit for the Lakers. Shooting has been one of their weaknesses over the past few seasons. James' playmaking is much better if he's surrounded by knockdown shooters. The only problem in Kennard is his defensive ability.
The Clippers are shopping Luke Kennard, per @SeanDeveney https://t.co/D7vqO0MOxd
According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the Clippers have made Kennard available this offseason. However, team president Lawrence Frank refuted the report and praised Kennard for his season with the Clippers.
"Luke has been terrific, Luke had an unbelievable season," Frank told The Orange County Register. "Luke has had a little bit of a pattern if you go back to his first year at Duke, Detroit and the Clippers. That it takes him just a little bit to adjust, get comfortable and then he just hit the ground, takes off."
LA Lakers tipped to sign Kemba Walker if he gets bought out by Pistons
Kemba Walker had a very disappointing season with the New York Knicks. Walker was shipped to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday as part of a multi-team deal with the Charlotte Hornets and OKC Thunder. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Walker and the Pistons are expected to negotiate a buyout.
Kemba Walker and the Pistons are expected to discuss a contract buyout that will allow him to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. Walker landed with Detroit as part of three-way trade with Charlotte and New York.
If Walker becomes a free agent, he will be free to sign with any team. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has predicted that the LA Lakers will go after the four-time All-Star. Swartz believes that Walker's game complements LeBron James and Anthony Davis'.
Swartz pointed out that Walker can stabilize the point guard position for the Lakers. He can come off the bench and become the primary ball handler. He can also become a spot up shooter when he's in a lineup with James and Davis. Walker shot 40.9% from catch-and-shoot threes last season.