Biggest Winner and Losers from NBA Free Agency

The answer is really simple: The Lakers supporting cast is much improved.

Schroder, Harrell, Gasol, and Matthews, and are a vast improvement from Rondo, Howard, MaGee, and everyone else they had in Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, and Avery Bradley.

Schroeder and Harrell give the Lakers much needed scoring off the bench. Both players are tough, physical guy’s. They’re straight dogs. Every NBA contender needs these type of players to win a championship.

Schroeder and Harrell can also take pressure off from LeBron and AD, which could not be said about anybody on last season’s Lakers roster. This forces defenses to play straight up, which in turn gives LeBron and AD more room to operate.

Wesley Matthews is another great role player. He’s a prototypical 3-and-D player. He gives the Lakers more shooting which is a must for any team with LeBron James on it. Plus, He is a solid defender. He’s capable of guarding the other teams best wing, which takes pressure off LeBron on the defensive end.

Last but not least, Marc Gasol. The veteran Spaniard will be great for the Lakers. He’s an all-time locker room guy who will provide incredible knowledge of the game and a lot of experience.

Although, Gasol struggled with the Raptors last season, looking like the 35 year that he is, he won’t be asked to do as much in LA. With the Lakers Gasol will be asked to play 20-25 minutes a night. He won’t be the first, second, third, or even fourth option when’ he’s on the floor. This allows Gasol to play freely. Whatever he provides is a bonus to the team. He’ll be a great mentor of Montrezl Harrell. Hopefully, Gasol and show Harrell how to defend in the post, because Harrell’s going to need to learn fast going up against AD everyday in practice.

The Lakers look even scarier than last season, and everyone should be on notice.