Tyler Ennis found out about his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers via a Twitter notification to his phone while he was sitting in the team hotel in New Orleans. Like Corey Brewer though, he wasn’t completely surprised; the Houston Rockets said they were going to keep their core guys together, so they both knew it was a possibility.
Shortly after, head coach Luke Walton called his phone, welcoming him to his new team.
“It made me feel a lot more comfortable,” Ennis said.
The former Syracuse star was drafted by the Phoenix Suns with the 18th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. In February of 2015 he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, then to the Houston Rockets a year and a half later.
“I’ve been traded, different teams, winning teams losing teams, I’ve seen a lot in my couple years in the league, but I’m happy to be back now with everything looking forward.”
Ennis wasn’t a complete stranger in the Lakers facility. Back in 2014, Ennis had pre-draft workouts with the Lakers, which is where his relationship with fellow 2014 draftee, Jordan Clarkson began. Ennis said he’s come out to L.A. and spent time with Clarkson over the past few summers.
“It feels like I was here yesterday, working out with the Lakers,” Ennis said. “Feels great to come in with this young group.”
Although it was a low intensity practice, Walton said Ennis looked good and was picking things up pretty quickly and plans to find opportunities for him during this last stretch of the season.
“We’ll definitely want to get him out there and get him some opportunities, some chances,” Walton said.
What does Ennis think he can bring to the team?
“For me being a point guard is having a relationship with the guys, being a good locker room guy and also just working everyday cause you never know… no matter if you’re the 15th guy or a starter just being ready at all times.”
