The oft-maligned bench of the Los Angeles Lakers just got a substantial upgrade with the signing of veteran power forward, Antawn Jamison. Though Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash were unable to lure Grant Hill to join the team, Jamison comes as a quality consolation prize.
Jamison signed a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum salary, hoping to cap off his career with a legitimate run for a title. For the Lakers, acquiring a player of this caliber for the low cost helps their chances of getting another important piece before the free agency period ends.
The veteran power forward will add depth, scoring, and leadership to a bench that has had more than its share of negative media attention. Last season, Jamison averaged 17.2 points per game and 6.3 rebounds in 65 games. He will be a great option to back up the team's two 7-footers.
The former All-Star has averaged 19.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game throughout his career. He'll be asked to fill a different role with the Lakers this season, having only come off the bench during his rookie season with the Golden State Warriors and for one season with the Dallas Mavericks.
Age is still an issue for the Lakers, and this signing certainly doesn't make them any younger. With Bryant entering the twilight of his career, the team is in win-now mode, choosing not to put much weight on the long-term future.
With Jamison in the fold, the Lakers now have six former All-Stars: Nash, Bryant, Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol, and Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest).
Connor Rose is a Chat Sports senior writer. E-mail him at: connorarose@gmail.com or reach him on Twitter: @connorarose.
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