The Los Angeles Lakers went hunting for veterans this offseason in free agency in an attempt to revitalize their roster after a first-round playoff exit in 2021. Although the organization seems to have more 30-year-olds than any NBA team could ever need, it might be going after another notable swingman.
According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Lakers are one of a few clubs that have interest in veteran James Ennis. The 31-year-old small forward has garnered attention from around the league with the Portland Trail Blazers, the Chicago Bulls, and the Orlando Magic among the interested parties.
Ennis spent last season in Orlando where he appeared in 41 games and made 37 starts for the rebuilding Magic. The 6-foot-6 swingman proved to be a reliable rotation player and averaged 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 24.0 minutes per contest.
The former 2013 second-round pick has bounced around over the years having played for the Miami Heat, the Memphis Grizzlies (twice), the New Orleans Pelicans, the Detroit Pistons, the Houston Rockets and the Philadelphia 76ers. Perhaps the Lakers will be the latest team he adds to his NBA résumé.
Sources: Blazers have interest in Michael Beasley, James Ennis, Isaiah Hartenstein & Patrick Patterson. Clippers are also in the mix for Hartenstein. Ennis has 4 teams interested.@YossiGozlan on Thunder trades to watch & roster battles.
More @hoopshype. https://t.co/iWWuZt4XrP
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 8, 2021
Los Angeles still has two roster spots to fill ahead of training camp. The organization has maintained that one of those will be left open, in case an opportunity comes during the year to land a buyout candidate. That leaves the Lakers open to sign Ennis, so long as they can beat out the other interested teams.
Ennis would likely play a reserve role on any of the rosters except for the Magic’s, so he’ll have to make a decision whether he wants to be on a contending team or head back to Orlando in search of more playing time. No matter what he decides, this situation bears watching over the coming days.
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