NBA

Lakers sign LeBron James' former teammate ahead of playoffs

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 19:16 - 09 April 2023

The Los Angeles Lakers are adding depth to their roster ahead of the playoffs as they look to surround LeBron James with the best possible roster.

Los Angeles Lakers are signing veteran centre Tristan Thompson and guard Shaq Harrison as they prepare for the postseason. Young guard Davon Reed will reportedly be waived to clear space.

Lakers add depth with Tristan Thompson

OFFICIAL: Tristan Thompson is a Los Angeles Laker. pic.twitter.com/OmBe6LX6dT
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 9, 2023

Thompson was drafted No. 4 overall and played with LeBron James in Cleveland, playing a part in the 2016 NBA Championship run.

In 57 games for the Bulls, Kings, and Pacers last season, he averaged 6.0 points and 5.1 rebounds.

He is available this late in the season due to not signing with a team at any point earlier in the season.

The 32-year-old big man will serve as backup to Anthony Davis during the postseason.

‘No one can stop Golden State’ — Klay Thompson

Entering the last day of the regular season, the Lakers have a 42-39 record and hold the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.

At worst, the Lakers would play in the No. 7 vs. No. 8 seed game in the play-in tournament, but they can still avoid that scenario provided results elsewhere go their way.

On Sunday, the Lakers will play their final regular season game of the year when they host the Utah Jazz.