Lakers Free Agency Rumors: Wesley Matthews Signing 1-Year Contract
Wesley Matthews, Bucks, Lakers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

One of the first names brought up as a potential target for the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency was Milwaukee Bucks guard Wesley Matthews. After the team traded away Danny Green in the deal for Dennis Schroder, Matthews seemed like the perfect fit to step in and fill that role.

But with 3-and-D wings being all so important in this era of the NBA, a player like Matthews was sure to get plenty of interest from a number of teams. And Matthews being an 11-year veteran with plenty of playoff experience makes him an even bigger target for teams looking to get over the hump and win the championship.

Ultimately, Matthews has appeared to make his decision, agreeing to a one-year contract with the Lakers in which is going to be their bi-annual exception, per Shams Charania of The Athletic:

Last season Matthews averaged 7.4 points and knocked down 36.4% from three-point range, which was actually slightly lower than his career 38.1% from deep.

Matthews fills key need for Lakers

With the Lakers reportedly anticipating Rajon Rondo to leave the team in free agency, they orchestrated a trade to acquire Dennis Schroder from the Oklahoma City Thunder. While that seemingly filled a void, it created another as Danny Green was included in the deal.

Signing Matthews gives the Lakers a needed defensive presence on the wing. He could become all the more important if Avery Bradley or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are not re-signed. Matthews also shot better from deep than Green did last season.

He reached free agency by declining a $2.7 million player option for the 2020-21 season.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers Rumors: L.A. ‘Very Interested’ In Signing Carmelo Anthony

With Russell Westbrook now in the fold and the team needing to fill out the roster with talented veterans…

Lakers News: Shaquille O’Neal Relates To LeBron James & Is Rooting For Bronny

The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny James in the second round this summer, pairing him with LeBron James to form…

How The Rumored 1-16 NBA Playoff Seeding Would Impact Lakers

If and when the 2019-20 NBA season resumes, the Los Angeles Lakers’ six-year playoff drought will end. That…

Lakers News: Talen Horton-Tucker ‘Good’ After Rough Celebration With Anthony Davis

The celebration was in full force for the Los Angeles Lakers after Anthony Davis channeled the Mamba Mentality…