The Los Angeles Lakers have possessed a deep and well-balanced team since they executed multiple trades ahead of the trade deadline.
They acquired forward Rui Hachimura in late January to address what was an utter lack of forward depth beyond LeBron James. Then came the blockbuster Russell Westbrook trade that brought back former All-Star point guard D’Angelo Russell, defensive standout Jarred Vanderbilt and sharpshooter Malik Beasley.
For good measure, Los Angeles landed backup center Mo Bamba for veteran guard Patrick Beverley.
However, some believed even with Bamba, a good shot-blocker and 3-point shooter, the Lakers lacked center depth.
To that end, the team signed veteran big man Tristan Thompson, as well as guard Shaquille Harrison, on Sunday.
The Lakers are signing two players today to add depth for the postseason, sources told ESPN. L.A. will sign guard Shaq Harrison, a defensive-minded point guard, and Tristan Thompson, a veteran center with playoff experience on LeBron James’ teams in Cleveland. Both players…
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 9, 2023
The Lakers have taken their time adding another center, but now they will have an additional one for the play-in tournament and, they hope, the playoffs.