Irwin’s second step for the Lakers is to sign a player who was once considered a huge bust but has since experienced a career resurgence with the Orlando Magic.
“If the Lakers do manage to convince the (Washington) Wizards to take both (Gabe) Vincent and (Christian) Wood (in a trade) for Valanciunas soon-ish, they will open $4.1 million in space under the second apron.”
Irwin believes the Lakers could use that cap space to sign Markelle Fultz to a minimum contract.
“With seven years of service under his belt, Fultz’s veteran minimum contract would come in at $3.28 million,” Irwin said.
“Prorated to this point of the season, it would probably sit right around $3 million.”
Irwin also claimed that the Lakers have reportedly been considering Fultz.
“Per sources, the Lakers have had internal conversations about Fultz, the former first-overall pick who hasn’t lived up to his draft position but was solid last season playing for the Orlando Magic,” Irwin said.
“Fultz would step into the role Vincent was playing and could serve as guard depth should the Lakers decide to trade D’Angelo Russell. Standing 6’4″ with legitimate athleticism, Fultz would provide physicality on the perimeter the Lakers have sorely missed defensively. Yes, the shot is still very much a concern, but in the right lineups, it can be made up for.”
“Depending on his market, the Lakers could wait to sign Fultz after the next step so that the prorated amount they owe him can fit into whatever space they have left after executing this next, bigger deal.”
Should the Lakers actually pursue Fultz, or is Irwin way off base here?
About the author