Lakers Sign Jonathan Holmes

I see some Laker fans and LTBers already calling Holmes 'another body for training camp', but I personally really like the signing. He played mostly SF his senior year because of Myles Turner and the other bigs on the Longhorn's roster, but he can definitely develop into a stretch 4 as well. With that said, he's very versitle both....

I'll admit I don't know much about the guy and based my judgement of him as a training camp filler in the other thread off his stats. He does have good size for SF. I'm not concerned all that much with athleticism. Wes Johnson had all the athleticism in the world and all he's ever gonna be is just another guy. Hopefully this kid proves me wrong and makes the squad and becomes a serviceable SF. We need all the help we can get for that position.

I would rather take the risk with Holmes at SF backup than Nick Young.

Does this mean we are giving up on Upshaw??

Agreed. I would also roll with A. Brown and Homes instead of signing a guy like Dorell Wright (which some LTB posters have been calling for). At least with a couple of rooks there's the potential to get better, with Dorell you're getting what you're getting and it's not that great.

Nothing means anything until the Lakers announce it.

its a training camp invitation.

Lakers may have gone from the oldest to the youngest team in the league. Kelly is just in his 3rd year? Same with Sacre? Lots of youngsters. I guess they heard us the past few years when we said they need to get younger. Except they've gone to the other extreme. More than half the team are rookies lol.

So we signed another PF? Is that 6 now? lol He's oversized for a 3. And the stats say he mostly played 4 in college. Hopefully he can avoid injury to maintain that lateral quickness.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz........

The PG Bobby Brown they are trying out on Monday is intriguing. Very talented kid and it implies that Byron might be intending to play Russell and Clarkson together with a third PG coming off the bench on the second squad. They are trying out 14 players on Monday.

I hope this Holmes is used as a small forward. The Lakers already have too many power forwards. But I was reading where the Lakers might trade Kelly since he struggled on the offense last season. He takes too long to get his shot off in my opinion. If he has time, he can make those three's, but if there is any kind of defender on him, he had trouble shooting.

I would sure like to keep Upshaw. We need a big. I am not all that convinced Sacre is the future back up center. But I know why the Lakers keep him and that is because he comes pretty cheap for a big man.

Just watched the video on Holmes and I am very impressed. And yes it seems like he has the body to play both small forward and power forward if needed for speed and agility. Ala Green!

Four years of college is also in his favor. It tells me he has some brains to figure things out quick.

Why is 4 years of college in his favor?

The Lakers are setting up a trade, they need a moderately skilled practice dummy or some depth on the Defenders. This guy makes it SIX deep at the PF and he's the lowest skilled of the lot. Barely considerable at the NBA level which is why he was not drafted. His best feature is versatility which means no unique skill of mention but he tried hard. Articles describe him as a stretch 4 but also say that he shot a "Dismal 39.4%" from the paint suggesting that his three point shooting would drop off from there. In his own words he has to work on his shooting. His YouTube videos confirm these points showing him grabbing offensive rebounds but missing the put backs. He's a tweener skill-wise on a team that does not need him and if he manages to remain in the NBA, he'll be one of those 5 teams in 5 years guys who gets tossed in on trades to balance the monies. The Lakers continue to delude themselves that their future is based on top defenders. It's part of the deceptive sway that Kupchak continues to bring to this team where he has no ideas of his own but buys into the ideas of others as a classic yes-man. Byron sells his pitch by claiming he's defensive oriented. Coach Brown did the same thing and what they both have in common is that neither of them give two hoots about defense. He's a guard oriented 'Showtime' Laker who is looking for offensive juggernauts to play that role thus the selection of Russell before Okafor which makes that point screamingly obvious. IN the meantime they sit down in board (bored) meetings and pretend that this defense thing....

LOL! That is a good one Skyeward. You got to admit that om the video he looks pretty good. Better then some of the Lakers we had last year.

The Lakers are hurting for a small forward with some size. This kid might be a little to big to play the three, but he reminds me of Artest in size. Actually he is an inch taller then Metta.

Axle, you and I clearly come from different planets and that's OK cuz aliens are just alright with me. Though I agree with education first, the point of education is a good paying job in this Modern 'Money before People' culture and most people will make the choice to take the cash now and pay for the education later approach. I have taught college kids that can hardly read and write but as well those same groups always include a small handful of geniuses which is the rarity. The dumbing down of America is a socio-political agenda that is about 40 years old now. You can buy the book and read about that ironically. Taking this further, the Princeton Offense imo is easily the dumbest offense in the NBA as it consistently pulls players well out of their optimal positions and asserts predictable rotations. A simple braided pick and roll like we all played in grade school would be more effective imo. Where we agree is that intelligent players like Brown the Rookie have value due to efficiency in practice and floor leadership. Swaggy is an example of the implications of low functioning thought processes who rely on skill rather than intelligence and it nearly and might still get him traded. Stupidity did get Dwight traded thank goodness! The Knicks Portzingas on the other hand is being touted already because of his maturity and intelligence. He speaks three languages and has multi-cultural exposure better enabling him to deal with Manhattan media which boo'd him out of the starting gates. Imagine doing that when you are 19 years old, in a foreign country, in front of the NBA's most legendary coach! Byron is not a rocket scientist but he is a slick....

He's a SF? Well that's a bit better I suppose but he shot 28.5% from the three. He was called a versatile stretch 4 in the press so perhaps it means that it's a stretch to think he's gonna remain in the NBA lol. So you are saying he was brought in to defend the perimeter at the same position that Kobe will be tasked with doing the same defending guys like George, James, Griffin and Melo? If he's really smart, he will focus on that and only that.

Hey guys FYI I split off some interesting posts re: whether NBA players in general are better players if they have a college education, all else being equal:

http://lakers.newssurge.com/PNphpBB2-viewtopic-t-51795.html

28%?? He actually shot 34% from 3 his senior year... If you were talking about his career 3FG% then obviously he's shown that he has greatly improved his jumper.

And yes, I'd even say he's even more of a SF than a PF. I watched a lot of Longhorn basketball this year and I'd say at least 3/4's of the time he was playing SF... When I saw that he measured 6'9, 242 at the combine & NBA scouts were also projecting him as a stretch-4, I thought 'Wow.. Hope he can fall to us in the 2nd'. Never thought he'd go undrafted.

Not saying he's the team savior, or will even contribute from the get-go, but I think he has great potential because of his versatility and effort. Someone of yall are *zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Agree, watched some longhorn games myself, mostly to see how turner was looking. But Holmes looked good at times. Above average defensively. Can't hurt to give him a shot. Considering what's left on the open market.

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/631879059962593280

There goes having Robert Upshaw on the roster baring a trade of someone first.

Wow. Wtf. THey haven't even started camp yet. What was the rush? I hope it's not another blunder. I really think Jimbo is in diamond in the rough mode. A hope and a prayer. I only hope our coaches are up to the task of developing these young guys, which has NOT been a strength of ours in the past. Time to upgrade the training staff as well to keep these guys on the floor for a change.,...

Just get rid of Kelly and sacre. Like release them. Anything.

Russell/Lou/Bobby Brown?or other PG

Clarkson/Young/JBrown

Kobe/Brown/Holmes

Randle/Black/Nance

Roy/McGee/Upshaw

This would be a nice team. Just get rid of Kelly and Sac.

https://twitter.com/16ringsNBA/status/631888154681720832

I have to think there is a trade brewing and RKelly is pretty much ghost, perhaps even Sacre and Nick/or my guy Jabari.

I keep hoping so man. I love the idea of having a stretch 4 on the roster and feel bad Kelly had to play out of position most of the season but at the same time hasn't shown too much. I think Sacre is safe on the roster because of the lack of true centers and his locker room presence his teammates love him. Nick Young may go but that would be later in the season if he shows he can score the ball better.

McGee is gone to Dallas. I'm wondering one thing...with the cap at $85 mill next season, and jumping up to $105 mill the year after, why didn't the Lakers just eat some lux tax for 1 season and keep Ed Davis? He wanted to stay here, he signed 4 years $20mill elsewhere, he would have been the back up we're looking for already, built in. Instead they kept the cheaper (and smaller) Tariq Black. Smh. Sometimes this team reminds me of a dog chasing it's own tail. No sense to be made of it anywhere.

The Lakers did not have any rights on him and with them being so far under the cap they can't sign him to a deal at "x" million to go over it. Bass was a cheaper option, maybe not better but Randle should be playing 30mins a game so paying $6.5 million ($20 million over 3) would not be good value with Davis, as much as I love his game.

In fine Lakers fashion, Kupchak is quoted as saying, "We could use another point guard or another center," so they choose a 6th, count 'em 6th Power Forward with mediocre capabilities at best. I have no idea why LTB is supporting this move either.

he is another small forward prospect. Lakers are looking for pieces. Hopefully they can get Upshaw in shape and make a roster spot for him as well.

Kelly and Sacre have had their chance and need to be moved aside for some other guys with hopeful potential.

Luke please..... If I have a garage full of new car tires but my front door is missing, what's the point of buying more car tires?

Both Kelly and Sacre should stay. Just like the Front Office, many are missing the point of vital role players and team chemistry as usual. Sacre is an incredible teammate and is effective when he's on the floor (10/6/1 is well within his reach) and Kelly is the only legit stretch 4 the Lakers have. He's quick, 6'-11", plays good defense, makes his foul shots, can shoot from anywhere and create his own shot, and is coming off of an injury plagued year. He played very well as a Rookie.

The Lakers have a logjam at the 4 and perhaps this new guy can slide over to the 3 but isn't that where Kobe, Swaggy and Brown are already slated? I am looking for signs of intelligent life behind the scenes in Laker-land. If this is all a prelude to an intelligent trade I sorta' get it, but nobody is gonna trade for untested rooks or bench players and return any value. Swaggy is the only trade piece we have that makes sense.

The more I watch what's unfolding, as much as I like Russell, passing on Okafor might prove to be a massive mistake given how many 'spare tire' PG's are available compared to centers. The Lakers ought to go after Dieng in Minnesota, I have been saying since the beginning of last season.....and that team is starving for quality Power Forwards.

Maybe Upshaw can prove to be our Hassan Whiteside but they are not showing too much confidence in him as yet.

Not a bad team but McGee, thank goodness, is gone fishin' in Dallas, Kelly and Sacre are likely staying, you forgot Bass, Lou is a 2, Young is a 3, Clarkson will probably be the starting PG and Upshaw remains ill defined. Besides all a dat', looks good. LOL Picking up Bobby Brown makes sense.

I used to like Kelly, but last season he was terrible getting his shot off. Too much of a windup before he releases the ball. I think he will be traded away. Now I do like the energy of Black even though some of you guys do not care for him. But he is a wide bodied player and can play both power forward and center. I also like Bass. He has always impressed me when he was with other teams. I was surprised when the Lakers got him. Randle has to change his game. He has shown that he likes to play too much one on one. He has not shown that he can pass the ball, instead when he gets the ball he wants to drive right away and run over players. That will get him in foul trouble right away.

I do not believe Nick Young will be a Laker this season. I think he will be traded away. Too much of a party boy and likes to be on the spot light all the time. Reminds me of Lamar when he got involved with the Kardashins.

Sacre will be kept because they have resigned him for peanuts and does make a good backup center. I sure wish they would sign UpShaw to back up Hibbert. You can never have enough big men.

I believe Clarkson will be our starting point guard, Kobe the shooting guard, rotating with Lou Williams.

I was reading where if Scott gets off to a rocky start, it might be the end of his coaching career with the Lakers.

He is a 3 too. I have no doubt he can play the NBA three.

Holmes will be at sf almost all time I would guess, and on the defenders a lot.

Russell/Lou

Clarkson/young

Kobe/brown/Holmes

Randle/bass/nance

Hibbert/black/sacre/upshaw

I think jabari and Kelly get traded. Then like mitch said they eventually get a point guard and center (upshaw)

the point of buying more car tires when you have a garage full of car tires, is that all of these new tires are unproven prospects. This is a rebuild. Rome wasn't built in a day. Kobe will likely play at SG some of the time and likely be injured or recouping some of the other time. We know Lakers were looking for a trade partner for Kelly, Sacre, and Young... and we all agree that Lakers need help at SF, sooooo.

Kelly has shown he can't play at SF, his rookie year was not all that great. Yes he can shoot, but he can't defend against quicker guys and he can't defend against bigger guys. So he is rather limited, and hasn't shown much to make me project him being all that great with more development. I also suspect he will be injured again at some point this season.

The Russell -vs- Okafor is a toss up, and only with the magic of hindsight will everyone be blasting the Lakers with blame or praise.

Sure, Dieng would be super. But not realistic to think that Minny would trade him for any of our power forwards other than Randle. And I wouldn't trade Randle for him, we still don't know what we have in that rookie. Besides, I think Minny might be trying their new rookie at PF some of the time... especially since he has an outside touch.

and I agree that I want to see what Upshaw can do, and hope he finds a spot on the team. Maybe he needs this push. I think they have reported that he is the hold up on the signing, not the Lakers. Likely because it is non-guaranteed... an agent probably getting in his ear most likely after all the media talking about how Lakers could have gotten a steal with him.

Well if that's the case we can't blame the FO (in this one case lol) for that. He's untried, comes with baggage and a rep, and needs to earn his stripes before we offer another wasted contract. So if he bolts to another team as others have done for the money so be it. In general it hasn't worked out well for any of the other recent bolters, other than they got more money. Meeks thrived in LA, but he's a dead fish in Detroit (and he has to live in Detroit yikes-assuming that's still where he's at), same with Marshall and others on their respective teams. To some degree even same with Ariza who took a cple seasons after LA to find his legs. And is still inconsistent. But hey, he made more money so what can ya do. Agents are trouble makers mostly, like lawyers. Must be why most of them started out as lawyers. Show me the money ball is their montra. Nothing but. Disappointing. But something you can accept as there's nothing anyone can do to prevent it. Just a shame when players are given a chance and then run for the paycheck rather than give the team who offered the chance to them in the first place some time to assess. Oh well. Guess we'll watch and see what happens. I don't know how GM's and owners don't all have ulcers from this crap. Again I guess the money they make helps assuage the annoyance factor. lol

Did Upshaw forget already that he went UNDRAFTED.

Nice pick up! A big that can shoot the three. Send Black to the D-League because he's useless and let Holmes have his minutes!

How is Black useless? Last season as a STARTER he had great numbers, coming off the bench he'll be what jordan hill was to us a few years ago, a energy guy. If anything Holmes should be sent to the D-League, he's an unproven talent that will need time to adjust.

You forgot about Bass

Black doesn't have premiere play i.e. fifteen footer for a 6'9". His game is one dimensional. He has NBA experienced but did basically nothing in this years Summer League to help the Lakers win some games but rather i.e. be out played by KAT a rookie vs Minnesota.

Karl-Anthony Towns MIN 5 31.2 12.8 21-53 0.396 7.2 2.0 0.80 1.80

Tarik Black LAL 5 23.2 9.2 18-26 0.692 7.6 0.0 0.60 0.80

He's not guaranteed. In camp Lakers have to see who's viable. Most likely Black is gone to the D league. Need to open a spot anyways. And he's too short to play the 5, which is what he's supposed to be back up for. We need to do better than that.