The Los Angeles Lakers have recently announced their acquisition of guard Shaquille Harrison and power forward Tristan Thompson to boost their depth for the upcoming NBA playoffs. This move will also reunite LeBron James with Thompson, with whom he played for four seasons during their stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2015-2018.
Thompson, who worked out for the Lakers in March, has yet to make an appearance this year after playing for the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and Chicago Bulls in the 2021-2022 season. However, his experience and familiarity with James are significant factors in the Lakers’ decision to bring him on board. With an average of 6.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in 57 games, Thompson’s contribution may not be significant, but his presence on the bench is expected to give the Lakers more depth and flexibility.
Meanwhile, Harrison had already signed with the Lakers in October but was waived before the start of the regular season. He then signed a 10-day contract with the Portland Trail Blazers in March, where he showcased his scoring ability, averaging 8.8 points over five games. He has spent most of the year with the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League affiliate, where the organization’s front office has become familiar with his game and his potential fit into the rotation. In his recent game with the Lakers, Harrison recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists.
General Manager Rob Pelinka’s moves around the trade deadline have been fruitful for the team, with the Lakers now at 42-39 and currently in seventh place in the Western Conference. The addition of Harrison and Thompson is expected to provide the Lakers with the depth they need as they aim to overtake the Golden State Warriors for the sixth seed.
Although neither Thompson nor Harrison is expected to play a significant role in the playoffs, their presence on the bench will provide Coach Frank Vogel with more options, especially during the play-in tournament, where the Lakers are guaranteed at least one additional game before reaching the first round of the playoffs. The Lakers are hoping that the combination of their star power, experience, and newly acquired depth will propel them to success in the upcoming postseason.
Can LeBron James and the Lakers win the Play-In Tournament with new signings?
With the addition of Tristan Thompson and Shaq Harrison to their roster, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make a deep playoff run. However, they must first go through the play-in tournament, where they will face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Lakers are a team with immense talent, including superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but injuries have plagued them throughout the season. The new signings of Thompson and Harrison provide the team with much-needed depth, which could prove to be the difference-maker in these high-pressure play-in games.
While it won’t be an easy road, the Lakers have the experience and talent to come out on top in the tournament. With LeBron James leading the charge, anything is possible. Only time will tell if the Lakers can rise to the occasion and win the play-in tournament, but with their recent acquisitions and playoff experience, the Lakers could be a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.
