On Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers signed Wenyen Gabriel, a 6-foot-9 forward who has bounced around the NBA while getting spot duty over the last couple of seasons.
Head coach Frank Vogel feels the 24-year-old has upside as someone who can contribute.
Via LakersNation:
“Wenyen [Gabriel] is someone that we have been high on,” Vogel said. “Someone we believe has upside as a really athletic 6’9” 3-and-D type player.”
Perhaps the Lakers’ biggest weakness this season in regards to their roster is their frontcourt. Other than LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they entered the campaign relying on Trevor Ariza, Carmelo Anthony and DeAndre Jordan, all of whom seem to be past their expiration dates.
L.A. has had success with taking flyers on undeveloped prospects such as Gabriel. Such a strategy worked extremely well a few years ago when Alex Caruso rose from the G League to become an important rotation player and a cult hero among Lakers fans.
This season, the team signed Stanley Johnson to multiple 10-day contracts and found that he can contribute, especially on the defensive end, which led to him copping a two-year deal.
Although Gabriel is on a two-way contract, Vogel has said that he believes the prospect will be with the Lakers full-time instead of yo-yo-ing between the G League and the big leagues.
Via LakersNation:
“We will give him a look,” Vogel said of Gabriel. “Hopefully, we can get some practice time. We can see him and see what he can do up close in person. He has a skill set that fits what we need. The successful stints have been with Bron, Russ and AD and the younger energetic guys. We’ll have to see what Wenyen brings to the table, but it is possible that he get in the rotation.”
The Lakers are still in need of a young, energetic big man who can comfortably play the 4 and possibly the 5 while being an asset on defense.
If Gabriel has plenty of work ethic and desire, perhaps he can fit that need.
