The Lakers are set to take a look at free agent veteran forward Kenneth Faried in a workout this week, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic (Twitter link).
Faried, 31, was selected by the Nuggets with the No. 22 pick out of Morehead State University in the 2011 draft. An All-Rookie First Teamer, Faried would go on to spend his first seven NBA seasons in Denver as a valuable, versatile rotation player.
The athletic big man split his final league season to date, 2018/19, between the Nets and Rockets. After being unable to carve out much of a role as a reserve small ball center for Brooklyn, the 6’8″ Faried was waived by the Nets in January of 2019. He then joined the Rockets to conclude the year. Faried averaged 12.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 0.8 BPG across 25 games with a playoff-bound Houston team.
Faried linked up with the Zhejiang Lions, a CBA club, for the 2019/20 season. Most recently, Faried played for the Trail Blazers’ 2021 Summer League squad, in the hopes of gaining traction for an NBA comeback. With the Lakers now expressing interest, Faried may get that chance on a roster loaded with other veterans in their 30s hoping for championship glory.
The new-look Lakers have 13 players signed to guaranteed contracts thus far, two players on Exhibit 10 training camp deals, and both of their two-way contract slots occupied. If he’s anything like his Nuggets self, Faried could help shore up the club’s big man depth.
Hes too young for them.
Fresh content. Original. Outstanding work.
He’s almost 32, which is still fairly young by Lakers’ standards.
And WallyWood doubles down. You guys should start a podcast.
Yeah yeah, Lakers bad we get it.
No you don’t, at least not yet. But after the slow start with the poor team chemistry that Westbrook brings to LA with his stat stuffing over winning philosophy, things will go sour very quickly.
However once LeBron has gotten sick of him not falling in line, then they can trade Russ for Ben Simmons to try and fix the problem.
Will that help? No, and it will probably make it even worse for LA.
@Greenwood
Im no Laker fan but do you REALLY think LBJ, AD and Westbrook met prior to the trade and the topic of his style of play WASN’T discussed? You REALLY think Westbrook doesn’t understand the narrative of his career, his age and his BEST opportunity to win ISN’T his focus as he plays in front of his home crowd? Anything can happen but I would be SHOCKED if chemistry between the big three is THEE issue that stands in the way. LBJ has a way of bringing in guys and convincing them to buy into the team concept. We saw it in Miami with Wade and Bosh sacrificing/ deferring to LBJ. We saw it in Cleveland who had been rebuffed by Love until LBJ came back and put three call in. At least until the chip was won Irving bought into the team concept. And LBJ sort of made room in the spotlight to make sure AD felt comfortable in LA. Something to be said when a guy with 4 rings leads a bunch of hungry ring chasers. The smart ones buy in.
I agree….good comment….
You were all about Westbrook when he was a rocket.. remember hardenwestbrookmvp.. you just worry about your critique of your team and leave the winning to the contending franchises in the nba..
Wow thats a bold opinion. Didn’t read the article but that’s a hot take man.
Bring it, MANIMAL!
The Lakers are way tooooooo funny!!! This is hilarious.
But, can’t believe he’s still 31 and hope he can earn a role in the NBA again, fun player to watch.
If he’s still got the energy, he’d be a good pickup. Great rebounder and had learned to shoot some threes last time I saw him play.
harrell 2.0
Yes ……. sign him. Can’t believe he’s not playing.