Lakers News: LA Adds New Guard, May Have Filled Up 2019-20 Roster After Busy Offseason

The Los Angeles Lakers were the subject of much discussion in recent months, with reports of front office turmoil and questions about the storied club's future. With the latest addition of Avery Bradley, the Lakers may have finally closed out arguably their busiest offseason in decades.

Bradley, 28, and the Lakers have reportedly reached a two-year, $9.7-million deal but must wait for the veteran guard to clear waivers. Bradley, who spent seven seasons with the Boston Celtics, split time between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers last season. Over his career, Bradley has shot 36.4% from 3-point range and is known for his defense — two key needs for the Lakers.

The deal might be the final transaction of the summer and perhaps gives superstar LeBron James the type of supporting cast he was hoping for when he joined the Lakers as a free agent in 2018.

The roster and coaching staff now include a lot of new faces but there are also more holdovers than some might have assumed after the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade. Gone from the season opener are Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart as part of the Davis deal, as well as Ivica Zubac, Mo Wagner, Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley, Isaac Bonga and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk.

But there are still some returning players beyond James, as Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Alex Caruso will be back.

While the big addition was Davis, the Lakers got bigger with DeMarcus Cousins. The Lakers also added Danny Green, Troy Daniels, Jared Dudley, Quinn Cook, as well as rookie Talen Horton-Tucker. Meanwhile, Zach Novell Jr. and players from the summer league roster can potentially find a spot at the end of the bench.

Some of the moves came after the Lakers failed to sign superstar forward Kawhi Leonard, prompting general manager Rob Pelinka to piece together a different roster.

New head coach Frank Vogel is expected to face immediate pressure. The Lakers have had four full-time head coaches since Phil Jackson left in 2011 and their combined win-loss record is an underwhelming 245-390. Vogel is surrounded by experienced assistants and his staff might include Ron Adams, who is considered the best assistant in the league. The Golden State Warriors, however, have expressed confidence that Adams will be retained.

Aside from James and Davis, Vogel will likely tinker with the starting lineup. Cousins, Kuzma, Rondo and Green are expected to get plenty of starts but Vogel might also give starts to Bradley, Caldwell-Pope and McGee, as well as Cook.

The regular season begins in October.