Jordan Farmar to Clippers: Latest Contract Details, Analysis and Reaction

Updates from Thursday, July 10

The Clippers made Jordan Farmar's, along with Spencer Hawes', signing official on Thursday:

"

The Los Angeles Clippers announced today that they have signed free agent guard Jordan Farmar and center Spencer Hawes. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

"

Original Text

After returning to the Los Angeles Lakers a season ago and yet again proving himself as one of the NBA's most capable backup point guards, Jordan Farmar has reportedly reached a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Brad Turner of the LA Times broke the news on the 27-year-old UCLA product:

Farmar struggled to stay healthy for the second year in a row last season and appeared in just 41 games with five starts. He didn't crack the starting lineup in Mike D’Antoni's system over Kendall Marshall but did much to allow the Lakers to forget about one Steve Nash thanks to his averages of 10.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists.

Alex Gallardo/Associated Press

A member of the Lakers for five out of his seven seasons in the NBA—a brief two-year stint with the Nets in a search for a bigger role proved a mixed bag—it should come as no surprise Farmar made his wishes to remain in the Los Angeles area well-known before free agency, as captured by Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:

“I want to be a Laker,” Farmar said. “I like playing for Mike. Whether it’s Phil Jackson, Mike D’Antoni or whoever else coaches this team, that won’t deter me from wanting to be a Laker.”

The two-time NBA champion also flashed his loyalty to the Lakers after the worst season in franchise history, via the team's Twitter account:

Farmar is quite the strong addition at this stage in his career. He was humbled after sitting behind Derek Fisher, only to go to the Nets and watch the team trade for Deron Williams. He then returned to see Steve Blake shipped away and Nash hurt but the playing time go to Marshall.

As a result, he has to have a strong grip on his role as a veteran presence who can run the offense and score in bunches when necessary.

While an injury risk in recent years, Farmar's price tag and contributions in a rotational capacity are nearly unmatched at the point guard position in today's landscape, in which strong backup points are a must for title contention. His being on board presents lineup flexibility now and into the future as long as he can stay on the court and be productive.