The Los Angeles Lakers have faced multiple rejections in their attempts to add essential players to their roster. They recently tried to acquire Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, but he rejected their offer. Thompson later agreed to an offer from the Dallas Mavericks, despite his father’s disapproval, as his father had wanted him to join the Lakers. Similarly, UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley rejected an offer from the Lakers to become their next head coach and chose to stay with UConn.
However, the Lakers had some success at the NBA Draft 2024, as they picked LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, as the 55th pick in the second round. Recently, the Lakers surprised everyone with some new young talent additions to the roster. The Lakers announced they have signed Blake Hinson and Armel Traore to two-way contracts.
The Lakers announce they have signed Blake Hinson and Armel Traore to two-way contracts.
pic.twitter.com/Ff4c7sEsjq— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) July 5, 2024
“The Los Angeles Lakers have signed forwards Blake Hinson and Armel Traore to two-way contracts, it was announced today by Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka. Hinson will wear jersey No. 36 for the Purple and Gold, while Traore will wear No. 37. Both will suit up for the Lakers’ 2024 summer league team.” According to a recent post by NBA Insider Jovan Buha on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Lakers Fans Buzzing Over Hinson’s Game-Changing Deal
After the official press release of the Lakers’ deal, NBA fans became excited and praised the agreement on social media. Most of the fans were talking about Hinson, and they believe that Hinson’s addition will give the team a great boost, helping them clinch the championship in the next season.
Hinson started all 33 games for the University of Pittsburgh in the previous season, averaging 18.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 33.6 minutes per game. He also had an impressive three-point shooting percentage of 42.1%, which was the best in the ACC. His performance earned him a spot on the All-ACC First Team, as he finished third in points per game and second in 3-point field goals made among the league players. On the other hand, Traore played in 33 games for ADA Blois in the LNB Élite in France, where he averaged 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in 25.5 minutes.