The Lakers have 14 players with guaranteed contracts. That leaves one regular-season, standard-contract roster spot up for grabs.
They’ve already added Vander Blue and Briante Weber. Now, two more competitors join the mix.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
7-foot Stephen Zimmerman, 20, will sign for a partial guarantee to join Lakers training camp, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 9, 2017
Notre Dame forward V.J. Beachem has agreed to a partial guarantee with the Los Angeles Lakers, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 9, 2017
The Magic drafted Zimmerman in the second round last year then waived the 20-year-old this summer. With a lingering arm injury and in need of more muscle, it’s unclear he’ll ever be healthy and strong enough to stick in the NBA, especially because his skill set requires him to play inside. But he’s moderately mobile and skilled. This is a fine flier.
V.J. Beachem went undrafted after four years at Notre Dame. He’s a 3-and-D prospect who’s not a sure bet to translate either skill to the NBA. Another reasonable choice for the Lakers here.
Both Zimmerman and Beachem likely end up waived and on the Lakers’ minor-league affiliate. But each will have a chance to beat out Blue and Weber first.
