LA Lakers had no choice but to opt again for a hardship exemption, they have confirmed the signing of Darren Collison on a 10-day contract.
Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves shorthanded again. Some new players will be unavailable for the team due to the Covid-19 Safety protocol. So, The Lakers have signed Darren Collison and Stanley Johnson on a 10-day contract.
The NBA had many games postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Players were forced to miss the game as per the rules of COVID-19 safety protocols and teams were finding it difficult to have optimum combinations on the court for matches.
Then the league came up with one possible solution of the Hardship Exemption, which allowed teams to gain an extra temporary roster spot for the 10 days period where they can sign a new player as a replacement for an uncalled situation.
The Christmas festivities are marked by the absence of some big-time players. Lakers already have lost big man Anthony Davis to an ankle injury. Now their complete guard lineup has taken a Pandemic hit. LA team has confirmed that Malik Monk, Trevor Ariza, Austin Reaves, and Avery Bradley will be out till 28th December.
With Kent Bezmore already sidelined, the Lakers needed to find a backup point guard for Russell Westbrook. With this requirement, they have confirmed the signing of Darren Collison and also forward Stanley Johnson.
How can Los Angeles Lakers use Darren Collison?
It is not the first time that the Lakers have shown interest in ex-Indiana Pacer’s player. Lakers were planning to get the veteran guard in the 2019 season only but were also waiting on “the Kwahi situation at the Clippers”. Collison had already visited the Staples Center before finalizing his retirement, but the Lakers didn’t make move for him and finally, Collison decided to retire after 10 years NBA career.
Now that Darren is back in LA, he will reunite with his buddy Russell Westbrook, who shared backcourt at UCLA with each other more than a decade ago. Surely his experience and ball handling will ease some pressure off LeBron and co. Collison is also a decent 3 point shooter. This might be a bonus for the Lakers, provided Darren is in good touch even after missing action for 2 years. Lakers have confirmed their starting lineup, which means Collison will play more as backup PG
Stanley Johnson is yet another 10-day addition for the Lakers due to the Covid-19 outburst. He is also familiar with the LA franchise, as he was part of their G League team South Bay Lakers. Johnson also signed a 10-day contract with the Bulls but unfortunately couldn’t play much with them.
He might have a different story at LA Lakers though as the team is struggling at the defensive end and Johnson will provide the team some defensive flair.
Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to get both players available for their Christmas fixture against the Nets.
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