The Los Angeles Lakers are signing free agent shooting guard Ben McLemore for the remainder of the season, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
McLemore, 28, was waived by the Houston Rockets over the weekend. He is averaging 7.4 points and 2.1 rebounds on the season — and while he never lived up to expectations as a lottery pick back in 2013, he is a solid veteran off the bench, offering the constant threat of perimeter shooting.
That is what he will bring to the Lakers, who continue to be open to bringing in Rich Paul clients looking for a run at a title. They did the same with Dion Waiters and J.R. Smith last season — though McLemore seems to be in a better place than either of those two were in terms of making a meaningful contribution.
“McLemore gives the Lakers additional 3-point shooting and wing depth with opportunity to compete for a title,” Charania wrote. “The sharpshooter had a host of interested contenders, including the Milwaukee Bucks.”
Also, as Dave McMenamin of ESPN noted, “the eight-year veteran has shot 40% or better from 3 in his last two full seasons.”
Paul confirmed the news to Charania that McLemore is indeed on his way to LA.
