Michael Frazier Waived!

In summer league, Frazier did not have his best showing, shooting only 26.3% from the field while missing all of his three point field goal attempts (0-11). His lack of elite size for a shooting guard and his struggles from the field in Vegas likely contributed to a team not yet inking him to a contract, but considering the small sample and his body of work at UF, the Lakers are likely betting that his potential as a shooter and ability to develop his playmaking skills further warrants a better look.

Considering the Lakers’ lack of shooting and the need to always mine and hoard that skillset in the pros, this is a gamble worth taking if you’re the Lakers. If he doesn’t pan out, all the team is out is a small sum of guaranteed cash. If he can challenge Jabari Brown, though, and show enough as a floor spacing shooter who looks like he’s able to be another combo-type of guard who can handle the ball some while also playing off other playmakers who create good looks for him, this small investment could pay off.

Time will tell if Frazier ends up being camp fodder or something bigger. But the Lakers continue to add to their roster, looking for more pieces they can potentially develop.

http://www.forumblueandgold.com/201...-to-contract-with-udfa-guard-michael-frazier/

 

Perfect!!!!

 

I agree with Weezy. This is freaking stupid.

X 10.

 

Why not a freaking pure point guard at least if they are looking smaller than Upshaw? Doesn't Lou Williams and Jabari's minutes in the D league AND in the NBA kind of alleviate the need for another gawddamed 2 guard? A short "undrafted" 2 guard at that. At worst scenario they have these guys, Bryant and Young, on the team that can probably fill in some minutes reasonably well in a pinch if needed. OK, I have composed myself. But this "seems" more "bigger" money committed than needed (from my armchair GM seat)...... for "camp fodder".

 

By signing all these guys to non-guaranteed deals, when they get cut before the season, we hold their rights and can send them to the d-fenders and they get paid in the 100k range instead of the 10k range.

 

Been out of the loop around here. Was the Upshaw stuff confirmed?

 

No. However, we know he had a deal in place in Summer League, the Lakers had finished Summer League, and the deal although reported has done was and has never been inked? So, what transpired to give the Lakers pause on their end to outright sign Upshaw? I have no idea. Pincus said something did happen, though, on the day off the Lakers had in Vegas. We're just going to have to see how this goes.

On another note, the Lakers have signed Holmes, Frazier, and potentially Upshaw. Those are 3 guys that maybe developed down the line and could turn into rotation players. They've done a fantastic job picking up talent that went undrafted, IMO.

 

Ok. Thanks for the update.

And I agree. I like the undrafted guys we have picked up.

 

I'm not sure any of the listed are NBA players on a real team. I am curious what you saw in Upshaw that has you this interested.

I didn't see anything special at all. He's had some limited success in college but his position is the least translatable to the Pros. He has some long arms and can block some shots but the rest of his game (highlights and the summer league) was not really all that impressive and the competition is absolutely nothing compared to the regular season.

 

Upshaw when in shape is a beast, he was considered one of the top centers statistically and per 40mins better than towns defensively. He just needs to get in shape

 

I think Frazier will spend almost all of his time in the D-League this year, but I like the flexibility of having him under contract for the next two years on a team friendly contract. If he catches our attention and performs well in D-League action, call him up.

I don't think he beats out J. Brown in this training camp. I do think if he works hard he has a place in this league. Maybe even possibly replacing Young if he gets moved or waived next year .