Lakers off-season trends! Plan to bring back two two-way players, and become the team s third center

On June 16, according to the latest video Q&A of the Lakers' senior reporter Jovan Buha, the Purple and Gold Army's two-way contract lineup next season is likely to usher in two familiar faces - center Jamison and Kroko are expected to return.

Jamison: Efficient insiders get retained signals

25-year-old Jamison signed a two-year two-way contract with the Lakers in January this year, quickly becoming a reliable choice on the bench. Jovan Buha made it clear that the Lakers plan to keep him as one of three two-way players next season.

Although he averaged only 10.3 minutes of playing time, Jamison delivered an efficient answer in 22 games he played: he averaged 2.6 points and 2.8 rebounds, and shot as high as 61.9%. The young center has traveled across multiple teams last season, playing for the Pelicans, Wizards and Grizzlies, and finally found a temporary stable position in the Lakers.

Koloko: The value choice after defeating the disease

Another center, Koloko, has the same bright prospects for the return. The player, who is about to celebrate his 25th birthday this week, successfully overcame a career-threatening blood clot problem last September (the injury caused him to completely miss the 2023-24 season) before joining the Lakers.

Koloko showed his value in limited opportunities: playing 37 games, averaging 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 9.2 minutes per game, and shooting 60.6% from the field. Buha revealed that the Lakers are expected to submit a qualification offer to Kolko, making him a restricted free agent, a move aimed at retaining the right to match other teams' offers.

Team reporters support: The cost-effective choice should not be let go

Jovan Buha expressed strong support for keeping these two players: "I think the team should at least try to keep Koloko, and letting him go would be a wrong decision. His size and potential are very suitable for being the 14th or 15th player of the team and as the third center reserve. As for Jamison, he is perfectly adapted to the position of a two-way contract player. Judging from the current situation, both of them will likely return to the Lakers next season."

Buha's analysis points out the pragmatic strategy of the Lakers management - at the end of the lineup and in the two-way contract position, retaining young players like Jamison and Koloko who have proven adaptability and have certain combat power is undoubtedly a very cost-effective choice. The return of these two inside players will provide more flexible guarantees for the depth of the Lakers' lineup in the new season.