The Lakers have swapped one two‑way player for another, hoping a modest gamble could shore up a struggling frontcourt.
Key points
- The Lakers replaced AK Okereke with Lawson Loverer on a two‑way contract to address frontcourt depth.
- Loverer’s G‑League and brief NBA experience yielded modest per‑game statistics that the team hopes to build on.
- Two‑way contracts offer the Lakers a low‑cost avenue to test potential contributors, a strategy that has previously produced players like Jordan Goodwin.
According to Lakeshowlife, the Los Angeles Lakers terminated the two‑way contract of AK Okereke and promptly filled the vacancy with 23‑year‑old center Lawson Loverer, a move orchestrated by general manager Rob Pelinka.
Loverer, who went undrafted, spent time with the G‑League’s Memphis Hustle before earning a brief call‑up to the Memphis Grizzlies last season, where he posted averages of 7.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks per game in limited action.
Background on the roster move
The signing comes as the Lakers grapple with frontcourt issues, notably Kevon Looney’s recent struggles. Assistant coach JJ Redick has reportedly advocated for giving Looney more rotation minutes, but the team is also exploring alternatives on the fringes of the league.
Lakeshowlife notes that the Lakers have previously uncovered value through two‑way deals, citing Jordan Goodwin as a recent example, and suggests that the low financial commitment makes Loverer a prudent low‑risk experiment.
Loverer’s recent performance
While the article cautions against expecting Loverer to become an “undeniable center prospect,” it frames the move as a sensible step in the franchise’s broader search for a sustainable solution at the center position.
Reader questions
What is a two‑way contract in the NBA?
A two‑way contract allows a player to split time between an NBA team and its G‑League affiliate, with a limited number of days the player can spend on the NBA roster and a lower salary than a standard NBA contract.
Why are the Lakers concerned about their frontcourt?
The team’s veteran center Kevon Looney has been struggling, prompting the front office to explore additional options, including the signing of Lawson Loverer, to improve rebounding and interior defense.
Source: lakeshowlife.com
