The Los Angeles Lakers may want to keep an eye on the New York Knicks’ training camp as they look to round out their roster. New York has signed Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, James Wiseman, Drew Eubanks and John Konchar to non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contracts, creating a competition for the final spots on its regular-season roster.
The Knicks currently have 13 players on standard contracts. They technically have room to keep two of the five veterans. However, retaining two would require New York to shed salary to remain below the second apron. If the Knicks do not make another move, only one of the five players is expected to earn a standard contract.
That would leave at least three—and potentially four—experienced players available by the end of training camp. The Lakers could then consider one of New York’s cuts as they finalize their own roster.
James Wiseman
Wiseman is the player with the most potential in this group. The 7-footer was picked second overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2020 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent play have kept him from becoming a reliable rotation player.
Even with those issues, Wiseman still has the physical skills that once made him a top prospect. He can run the floor, finish at the rim, and be a vertical threat as a pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers wouldn’t need Wiseman to meet the expectations that came with being a top draft pick. He would only be asked to compete for a reserve role, provide additional size, and potentially develop into a useful depth option. Wiseman carries more risk than some other candidates, but his age and athletic ability could make him an intriguing project.
Drew Eubanks
Eubanks represents the safer option if the Lakers want another established center. The 6-foot-10 veteran averaged 5.2 points and 3.0 rebounds for the Sacramento Kings last season and has built a career by providing physicality, screening, and interior finishing off the bench.
Unlike Wiseman, Eubanks probably won’t get much better at this point. But he’s played in over 400 NBA games and knows how to help the team without needing the ball or a big role on offense.
The Lakers already have Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney at center, but Eubanks could be a backup in case of injuries and give coach JJ Redick another tough big man for specific matchups. His experience and clear role could make him a reliable choice for the end of the roster.
Ochai Agbaji
Agbaji might be the best fit for the Lakers because of his position. The former lottery pick has the size and athleticism to guard wings, finish in transition, and hit spot-up shots.
Agbaji’s main problem in the NBA has been consistency. His outside shooting comes and goes, and he hasn’t become a steady two-way player yet. Still, wings with his size and athleticism are valuable, especially for a Lakers team built around Doncic and Reaves.
The Lakers wouldn’t need Agbaji to create his own shots. His job would be simple: guard perimeter players, run the floor, and hit open shots when he gets the chance. At 26, he might also have more long-term upside than most veteran-minimum signings.
Lakers Must Make Their Own Roster Cuts
Los Angeles will also have to reduce its roster before the regular season begins. NBA teams can carry as many as 21 players during training camp, but the regular-season limit is 15 players on standard contracts, along with as many as three players on two-way deals.
The Lakers currently have 16 players on guaranteed standard contracts, leaving them one above the regular-season limit. That means the team must trade or waive at least one guaranteed player, and it will also have to release multiple players attending camp on non-guaranteed contracts.
Signing one of the Knicks’ cuts would therefore require more than simply filling an open position. The Lakers would first have to determine that the available veteran represents an upgrade over one of their current players and create an additional opening on the 15-man roster.
The Knicks’ Leftovers
It never feels great to take another team’s scraps, but if you’re going to do it, it might as well be from the champions.
Wiseman would offer upside, Eubanks would provide dependable center depth, and Agbaji would address the need for another athletic wing. Brown and Konchar could also interest Los Angeles if either becomes available, but adding either would require the Lakers to move on from another player already on their roster.
The Lakers don’t have to hurry this decision. The front office can watch their own players during camp and keep an eye on which veterans stand out in New York. If one of the Knicks’ cuts is clearly an upgrade, the Lakers can make a move before the season starts.
