The Los Angeles Lakers have officially landed a major boost to their roster by acquiring former New York Knicks star and 5-time NBA All-Star in free agency. The veteran forward, who also holds an NBA championship ring, has signed a massive 3-year, $24 million deal with the Lakers, signaling a bold statement of intent from the Purple and Gold ahead of the upcoming season.
The signing comes after weeks of speculation linking the Lakers to several high-profile veterans as they look to strengthen their bench depth and bring championship-level experience to a roster already stacked with talent. Sources close to the negotiations confirmed that the deal includes both guaranteed salary and team incentives based on playoff performance and minutes played.
The unnamed star — expected to be officially introduced at a press conference later this week — last played for the Knicks and has been a well-known figure in the league for over a decade. Known for his leadership, elite rebounding, and clutch playoff performances, the acquisition is seen as a perfect fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, giving the Lakers a reliable presence in the frontcourt rotation.
Lakers president Rob Pelinka expressed excitement over the signing, stating, “We are thrilled to bring a player of his caliber, experience, and leadership to the Lakers. His presence in the locker room and ability to perform in high-pressure moments will be invaluable for us as we chase Banner 18.”
This move signals that the Lakers are going all-in on the upcoming season, with the front office clearly focused on surrounding LeBron and Davis with proven veterans who can contribute in meaningful ways during deep playoff runs. The Lakers have been relatively quiet in free agency until now, but this deal has instantly reignited excitement among the fanbase.
While some analysts have questioned the durability of the 5-time All-Star in recent seasons, the Lakers are betting that his championship pedigree and savvy experience can be a difference-maker in a stacked Western Conference.
With this blockbuster signing now official, the Lakers are poised to re-enter the championship conversation in a big way, and fans can expect more moves as the franchise looks to finalize its roster before training camp.
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