Lakers sign Dudley to 1-year, $2.6M deal
The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a one-year, $2.6-million deal with forward Jared Dudley, his agent told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Tuesday.
Signing Dudley is an underrated value move, as he'll bring defensive versatility and floor spacing to the Lakers. He's among the most well-respected veteran leaders in the league after spending the past three seasons guiding the young Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns.
"This is something I've been contemplating," Dudley told HoopsHype's Alex Kennedy. "I'd be getting a chance to compete for a championship, which is something I haven't had since the Steve Nash (Suns) days. I just think that being home and with that Laker brand, what's better than that?"
The Lakers' roster remains slim despite signing Dudley as they await Kawhi Leonard's decision. The team is expected to stay flexible before attempting to add a free agent for more than the league minimum.
The 33-year-old Dudley averaged 4.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 20.7 minutes per contest during the 2018-19 season.