The Lakers keep adding to their roster by signing Greg Somogyi and Reeves Nelson (Go Bruins!) today. Somogyi is a 7’3” center out of UC Santa Barbara, who averaged 3.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 12.2 minutes per game. Nelson, a 6’8” forward out of UCLA, played in 68 games, averaging 12.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 27.0 minutes. You all know I am excited; a Bruin on the Lakers is all I need.
All in all, these two players add height and power, respectively. Not only could they get the opportunity to play in NBA games as back ups, but having fierce competition like that for practices makes the starters all the much better.
After the signing of Jodie Meeks, the Lakers roster was basically set with 14 players under contract for the upcoming season. The 15th and final spot for the Lakers was thought to be filled by either rookie center Robert Sacre or guard Darius Johnson-Odom, but the acquisition of Somogyi and Nelson may have changed that. Training camp for the Lakers is set to get underway on October 2 followed by the start of the pre-season on October 7 against the Golden State Warriors in Fresno, California, where Reeves and Somogyi will be competing against Sacre and Johnson-Odom for the 15th and final spot.
Even with all the roster potential, former Laker Bob McAdoo believes the OKC Thunder is still team to beat in the west. It seems that the Lakers have been pitted against the Thunder to compete for the Western title by a number of sources. Although McAdoo has a previous past with the Purple and Gold, that is not enough to convince him the Thunder won’t beat L.A. to the Finals.
Lakers Nation asked you all a few questions this week and we have the poll results for you. To see how your opinions match up with other Lakers Fans, check out the results here:
What You Rather Have a Statue or Retired Jersey?
Will Pau Gasol End up in the Hall of Fame?
If you have any ideas for the question you want answered next, make sure to leave me a comment below or tweet me at @ajmoyal, and don’t forget to mention @LakersNation.
Lakers Nation News
Poll Results: What You Rather Have a Statue or Retired Jersey
NBA News: Allen Iverson Considering Playing in China
Poll Results: Will Pau Gasol End up in the Hall of Fame?
Lakers News: Reeves Nelson Receives Invite to Lakers Training Camp
Charlotte Bobcats Show Interest in Signing Tracy McGrady
Kobe Bryant Sends Photo of Himself Scuba Diving
Dwyane Wade on New-Look Lakers: ‘We’re Ready for the Challenge’
The Three Most Influential Differences Made By the Lakers This Off-season
Numbers Game: Gasol’s #16 Should One Day Hang At Staples
Lakers Announce Signings of Greg Somogyi, Reeves Nelson
Shaquille O’Neal Receives Offer to Play in Mexico for Fuerza Regia
Lakers News
Lakers Countdown: At #1… [Forum Blue and Gold]
NBA Disappointments — Saying Goodbye to Magic [Silver Screen and Roll]
Not All Shooters Are Created Equal [SB Nation]
Lakers Chat Transcript [ESPN]
Lakers Sign Former UC Santa Barbara Center Greg Somogyi [LA Times]
Lakers Opening Night Sweepstakes [Lakers.com]
Reeves Nelson Joins Lakers [ESPN LA]
Dwight Howard Manages to Rub it in While Thanking Magic Fans [LA Times]
Dwight Howard Photo Gallery [Basketblog]
Which Magazine Was Photographing Pau Gasol? [The Basketball Jones]
The Strategy Session: Two Man Games [Forum Blue and Gold]
NBA News
The Tax Man Cometh – Celtics Paying Luxury Tax Again [Celtics Blog]
Looking For NBA Breakout Candidates In The Stat Sheet [SB Nation]
The Allen Iverson Paradox: Right Moment, Wrong Time [Hoop Speak]
Rocket’s New Scoreboard is Proof, Everything is Bigger in Texas! [Hang Time Blog]
Indiana Pacers See Series of Disappointments in Financial Struggles [Indy Cornrows]
Video: Follow Royce White Through NBA Draft Day [ProBasketballTalk]
Wilkes Stands Out in Hall Crowd By Not Hogging Spotlight [NBA.com]
Derrick Rose Gets Into Pizza Business [ESPN Chicago]
Allen Iverson Would Like to Play in China, if Not the NBA [Ball Don’t Lie]
Refreshed Roster Stabilizes Wizards as They Enter New Era [NBA.com]
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Have the Same Pants [The Basketball Jones]
Power Rankings For Stephen Jackson’s Uncle’s Fried Food [SB Nation]
Nets Good On Paper and in the Flesh? [Hang Time Blog]
