The LA Lakers have reportedly signed free agent Marcelo Huertas to a contract and the guard could have a chance to make the roster as a depth option behind Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell at point guard. The Lakers have also brought in Jonathan Holmes and Michael Frazier to compete for roster spots and Robert Upshaw also could be in the mix in the Los Angeles training camp.
The Lakers have made some solid additions to the roster this offseason with Lou Williams, Roy Hibbert and Brandon Bass coming in and now Huertas could be next. According to Yahoo Sports, Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Huertas is signing a one-year deal with the Lakers. Wojnarowski writes that Huertas is considered one of the "most accomplished players" in the Euroleague and that he is an "experienced pick and roll point guard."
Wojnarowski added that Huertas could "compliment the development" of Russell and it also provides the Lakers with some experienced depth. The Los Angeles Times reported earlier in the summer that the Lakers wanted to add another point guard, but would rather not make a trade to do so. The team had interest in Ty Lawson from the Nuggets, but that deal did not work out and now Huertas could give the team an extra option as Clarkson and Russell develop.
Russell is considered a good shot to be a future star in the league, but his play during the summer showed that he is still raw and needs work. Pro Basketball Talk writes that Huertas is a "playmaker" and that he has made it to the final four in the Euroleague four times. Huertas has experience playing for the Brazilian national team and he now has a good chance to make the roster.
The Lakers have also signed Jonathan Holmes and Michael Frazier to partially guaranteed deals and they could be options to compete for roster spots in camp. Upshaw has not officially signed with the Lakers, but the center made some statements to the media that made it sound like a deal will get done. According to the Times, Upshaw said that he knows "he'll be a Laker" and that he is "staying focused" on "training camp with the Lakers."
Frazier is another player that could be in position to make the roster, as he played well in the Summer League for the Warriors before signing with the Lakers. Frazier has good size and he played three seasons at Florida and has some experience behind him. Frazier averaged 9.9 points last season for the Gators and he could compete for a roster spot.
The Lakers have been mentioned by some as an option for trades for players like Brandon Jennings, Ricky Rubio or Jose Calderon, but right now those are not options. The team is not actively looking for a trade and they may go with Huertas as a depth option if he looks good over making a big move to bring in depth behind Clarkson and Russell. The team sees those two players as the future and wants to give them the chance to develop.
Check here for more on the Lakers roster options and the deal for Marcelo Huertas.