The Los Angeles Lakers are almost set for the 2021-22 NBA season. The franchise had a strong offseason and added help around their already established duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
As of now, there are two guaranteed contract roster spots open and one of them might be filled soon.
According to the latest NBA rumors, the purple and gold are in talks with NBA veteran Monta Ellis. The 35-year-old is currently a free agent and fans last saw him in the NBA during the 2016-17 season. Since then he has been out of the league, but that might change soon.
"I told coach Roberts that Tae is not big on being a star anymore. He’s been there already,” Monta's representative Derrius Nelson revealed. “His [possible] addition can make them one of the best LA Lakers teams to go down in history. With Tae being there, it would be crazy!”
In response to Nelson, the Lakers' basketball operations coaching associate Jordan Henriquez-Roberts said:
“Derrius, that’s why I’m calling because I know what type of player Monta is. I was a huge fan of him; his [past] works and the time he put in the NBA override a lot of guys that’s been coming to work out because he is reliable."
Before the rise of Stephen Curry, most fans believed that Monta Ellis would become a long-time star for the Golden State Warriors. On the contrary, Ellis was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, and that's when his stardom slowly began to fade away.
In his last NBA season, Ellis was part of the Frank Vogel-coached Indiana Pacers. If the Lakers sign the veteran guard, the two will be reunited once again.
So, he will easily get settled in. The Lakers are preferring the veteran experience over younger players this season. If the deal with Monta is finalized, he will be yet another player older than 35 years old on the roster.
It might become a double-edged sword for the team later down the line. Regardless, this LA team is looking dangerous and might reclaim their throne as league champions soon.
More must-reads: