Lakers undrafted pickups (Ayayi, Reeves, McClung so far)

[BEazy]

Reaves signed with the Lakers on a two-way deal following the draft. Sources told The Athletic that Reaves turned down the ability to get drafted in order to pick his own spot after the draft. Ultimately, the Lakers were the most attractive option, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are they a contender, but they have a ton of open roster spots following the Russell Westbrook trade, and guys who enter the summer on a two-way are actually somewhat well-positioned to have a shot to make the roster due to luxury-tax concerns. I think my bold prediction is Reaves is on a full contract by midseason.

...

Similarly to Reaves above, Ayayi turned down offers to be drafted in order to skate through the draft and choose his spot. And similarly to Reaves again, he chose the Lakers. Yeah, the Lakers did well by not even having a pick.

Man whoever thought of this idea...well done...


https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2021/7/30/22602702/lakers-rumors-austin-reaves-joel-ayayi-turned-down-chance-get-drafted-sign-two-way-contracts?fbclid=IwAR1sU7LGuDs_NqBkCaISTjLgNPpJnf9-ZelJ1XyMy7e1JUUN7TGdOjc3eL8

[Kobeallday]

we got Alan Griffin too, great pickup!!

[BostonCouchGM]

can't believe you guys got Reaves and Ayayi. I had them as 1st round talents. Both are combo guards who can handle it, defend well, shoot on and off the dribble, high BBIQ and most importantly, very cheap. They're also seasoned and could likely start if needed. McClung actually has a little Westbrook in him and it wouldn't surprise me if he's getting minutes by season's end. You guys get a couple of ring chasers and FAs looking for one year "prove it" deals and this has the makings of a ridiculously talented squad.

[LAKESHOW]

I like these rookies, but as we all know, it takes time to season. For example, Zo looks much better now than he did when he was here. These guys are gonna take time

[zuju]

Are we still picking up more undrafted guys or we are done with the summer league team roster? And, are we not looking to put 1 or 2 useful guys into the regular roster?

[ruffian253]

How does Ayayi get a fair evaluation in summer league? Summer league is based on guard play where Reaves and McClung should shine as they are both very ball dominant, but as the case for Ayayi, he is a definitive role player, a true 4th-5th option whose bread and butter are more opportunity points off of the primary scorers

[ROballer]

Ayayi is clearly the new Caruso for the moment, with the potential to be way more down the line because he is so young.

I wouldn't be surprised if part of the reason we let go of Caruso is this guy. The major part is the high salary threshold and the need to pay THT yeah, but I clearly think he's gonna get groomed in that Caruso role for next year.


I wouldn't think too much of the old fart signing. We signed McLemore and Matthews last year too and they didn't play much if at all at some point.

At this moment, everybody is pegging their rotation and this guy isn't even mentioned anywhere, which is a mistake.
I'll bet my balls he's seeing some minutes at some point. Vogel loves his defenders and this guy can certainly defend.