(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t want to wait long before rounding out their roster for next season.
They locked up their guys for the future almost immediately, and we can pretty much tell what their roster will look like come training camp.
That’s why Kendrick Perkins believes GM Rob Pelinka is the current MVP of free agency.
While making an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Perkins explained that Pelinka did what he needed to make sure the Lakers had another chance to win an NBA championship with LeBron James at the helm.
.@KendrickPerkins calls Rob Pelinka the “MVP of the free agency.”
“What he added to this team while being able to keep the core of this group … He won.” pic.twitter.com/j6xZF2Xa8w
— First Take (@FirstTake) July 3, 2023
He lauded them for securing Austin Reaves at way less than what he was projected to make, adding that Gabe Vincent also “proved himself” in the playoffs, which is why he was another huge pickup.
Perkins raved about the addition of Taurean Prince, calling him a high-motor player who’ll bring tenacity on both ends of the floor as a 3-and-D forward.
But more importantly, he believes that signing Jaxson Hayes at such a team-friendly deal was the best addition they’ve made, as he’s one of the most athletic, high-motor big men in the league.
Perkins raved about Hayes’ ceiling and talked about how Darvin Ham and his coaching staff have proven that they take player development seriously, so he’s another interesting project they should work on.
The Lakers did what they needed to do with the resources they have in hand.
Maybe “MVP” is a bit of a stretch, especially after what the Phoenix Suns did, but Pelinka did a solid job; that’s undeniable.
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