NBA: Lakers nab top reserve Williams in free agent chase
Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes while under pressure from Louis Williams #23 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on November 22, 2014, in Cleveland, Ohio. AFP FILE
LOS ANGELES, United States – Guard Lou Williams, who won Sixth Man of the Year honors as the NBA’s top reserve, is reportedly headed to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Multiple media outlets reported that Williams, a prime target in the free agent market after playing for the Toronto Raptors last season, has agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal with the Lakers.
No contract can be finalized until the free agent signing period begins on Thursday.
Williams averaged a career-best 15.5 points in 80 games for Toronto last season.
In March, he set a Raptors’ record for points in a quarter with 21 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter.
With coveted forward LaMarcus Aldridge apparently set for a move from Portland to the San Antonio Spurs and center DeAndre Jordan headed to Dallas, the biggest names on this season’s free agent market are accounted for.
But not all situations are settled.
Cavs superstar LeBron James and Memphis big man Marc Gasol are both free agents — although both seem sure to remain with their current teams.
ESPN reported that James and the Cavaliers are not yet discussing a new contract for the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, with James preferring to wait until the club re-signs restricted free agent Tristan Thompson.
Gasol, also a free agent, hasn’t negotiated with teams other than the Grizzlies, but has yet to confirm he’s reached agreement on a new deal with the club.
