Who is Ben McLemore, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Latest Signing?

The Los Angeles Lakers have finally filled out their roster. Earlier today, they brought in swingman, Ben McLemore, who was recently waived off by the Houston Rockets.

The Sacramento Kings drafted McLemore with the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. He had established himself as a promising sharpshooter with the Kansas Jayhawks and came in with a lot of hype. And right from then, LeBron James knew his future teammate was the real deal.

But McLemore disappointed during his four seasons with the Kings. He showed that he could be a shooter, but his game was lacking in a lot of other areas. After not living up to the potential of a top 10 pick, the Kings allowed him to walk in the 2017 Free Agency.

He signed with the Memphis Grizzlies, who after just one season traded him back to the Kings. But his return didn’t go according to plan, and by February 2019, the Kings waived him. McLemore had to wait until July to get picked up by the Houston Rockets. He fit perfectly in their system, and he had arguably his best season with them in 2019-20.

But with coach Mike D’Antoni’s departure, the system was no longer a fit for him. He played 32 games this season, but barely had16 minutes per game. After proving surplus, the Rockets finally waived him on Saturday.

Can Ben McLemore be a vital role player for the Los Angeles Lakers?

When the Lakers brought in Anthony Davis, they built the team around him and LeBron. They added veterans and also shooters because Bron and AD are not natural shooters. That helped them to win the title in 2020.

Although he is only 27, McLemore definitely brings in some playoff experience and much-needed shooting ability. Although the Lakers have Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Wesley Matthews, and Alex Caruso to shoot, McLemore is still a great addition.

KCP, Matthews, and a lot of Lakers players have shown hesitation while shooting threes this season. Unlike them, the former seventh overall pick lets it fly whenever he gets an open look, and he converts on a good percentage as well. This is what the Lakers need. If McLemore can do that in LA, this confidence will help the team overall as well.

The Lakers play the Heat next, and according to coach Frank Vogel, McLemore will join the team in Miami which means he might make his debut then. Fans will be excited to see the new arrival play his first game with the purple and gold.

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