Former Rockets Player Snubs the Lakers to Join the New York Knicks

With the outbreak’s impact in the league progressing day by day, teams are scouting for replacement players and giving them short 10-day contracts to fill the void of the absentees who are in the league’s health and safety protocols. The Los Angeles Lakers have already taken their pick and signed Isaiah Thomas, the Celtics have acquired Joe Johnson, and so on.

However, what was extremely shocking to most was that Danuel House Jr. ended up signing with the New York Knicks. This is a player for whom many teams showed interest, yet he chose the Knicks.

Did Danuel House choose Knicks over the purple and gold?

Just like other teams, the New York Knicks are also struggling to keep their players healthy in light of the recent outbreak. Although six of their players are unavailable, the good news is that RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin have been cleared to play. With teams trying to keep at least eight players ready to play, Danuel House is their best option.

The Knicks announced on Thursday that they had acquired House. This comes right after he was waived by the Houston Rockets on December 18 and so far, has averaged 4.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in the 16 games that he has played this season.

However, there are also reports of other teams that showed interest in the guard as well. Kelly Iko posted, “Also fielded interest from several teams including the 76ers, Kings, and Lakers, per sources, before ultimately deciding on the Knicks.” 

Would the Lakers and House have been a good fit?

By the looks of it, it would not have made sense. First of all, the purple and gold are beyond their luxury-tax capacity and have made it known that they are cutting down on their spending. This is why Avery Bradley has a non-guaranteed contract.

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If not him, making space for House would mean parting with someone like Kent Bazemore. Even though Bazemore hasn’t been the best so far, House won’t have been ideal under the circumstances. In fact, House is a three-point shooter, and even from the arc, he isn’t playing up to the mark.

So, it seems like all is well that ends well. What do you think about Danuel’s choice to join the Knicks instead of the Lakers? Let us know in the comments below.

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