Grading Lakers' Early Moves in NBA Free Agency

The road to redemption for the Los Angeles Lakers starts now.

Yes, the 2021-22 campaign will be remembered as a wasted season, but the offseason provides a chance to reset. The championship-or-bust mantra still guides this squad—and will as long as LeBron James is on the team—and the work already done on this roster creates chances for another bite at the apple.

So, with a batch of agreements already in the books, how have the Lakers fared so far? We'll dissect their most notable additions and form a letter grade based on the contract value and potential impact of each pickup.

(Semi) Splurging on Lonnie Walker IV

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SAN ANTONIO, TX -APRIL 9: Lonnie Walker IV #1 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 9, 2022 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photos by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Remember how well the Lakers did last season with Malik Monk? Well, consider Lonnie Walker IV this year's Monk.

Like Monk, Walker is a former top-20 pick who has flashed high-level, highlight-friendly ability but struggled to turn his obvious skills into consistent production. His numbers in San Antonio were strikingly similar to Monk's pre-Lakers production, and the hope for L.A. is that Walker will take a similar leap toward harnessing his ability into reliable, efficient performances.

It's hard to knock the gamble here, particularly for the price. While the Lakers used their best roster-building asset to sign him (the taxpayer mid-level exception), his $6.5 million salary is appropriate (if not a bit of a discount) for someone with his age and upside.

Now, just because the lightbulb clicked for Monk in Hollywood, that doesn't guarantee the same will happen for Walker. Having said that, he has never been able to play with elite talents like James and Anthony Davis, so opportunity is clearly knocking for Walker to break out.

Grade: A-

Bringing Back Thomas Bryant

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PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 12: Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards and Greg Brown III #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers look for the rebound during the game on March 12, 2022 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Lakers first acquired Thomas Bryant during a 2017 draft-night deal with the Utah Jazz. After deploying him just 15 times as a rookie, L.A. waived him after just one season.

Clearly, the Lakers have bigger plans for the skilled big man this time around.

While numerous teams had interest in Bryant, he chose the Lakers for the fact he "will be given the opportunity to win the starting center position," Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reported. Whether Bryant actually gets the gig or not, he should be primed to play a significant role—provided he stays healthy.

Now, the health risks are real. He has only topped 50 games once in his career and only twice played more than 30. He suffered a torn ACL in January 2021 and hasn't really regained his form since. However, if his body holds up, he offers an intriguing blend of shot-blocking (career 1.5 per 36 minutes) and floor-spacing (92 triples at a 35 percent clip).

Grade: B+

Low-Cost Gamble on Troy Brown Jr.

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 22: Troy Brown Jr. #7 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks during Round 1 Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).

Theoretically, Troy Brown Jr. falls into the same bucket, being a former first-round pick needing to elevate his value, as Monk and Walker.

However, Brown, the No. 15 pick in 2018, has shown less (at least as a scorer) than Monk or Walker did during their pre-L.A. days.

Brown arrives in Hollywood without much of an offensive identity. He once intrigued as a playmaker with good size (6'6" with a 6'11" wingspan), but that hasn't really materialized (career 1.6 assists per game). He isn't much of a scorer (6.4 points per game) and doesn't shoot the three with great quantity (0.7 makes per game) or accuracy (33.7 percent).

Still, he's a toolsy 22-year-old who can, hopefully, make his mark first with defense and, double hopefully, settle into an offensive role over time. He has already been discarded by two teams (the Wizards and Bulls), so his chance of success isn't great, but it's not the worst wager on a minimum deal.

Grade: C+