Lakers guard Kendrick Nunn has elected to pick up his player option for the 2022/23 season, sources tell Dave McMenamin of ESPN (Twitter link).
We knew this was coming, since Nunn referred to the decision as a “no-brainer” back in April. The option, which will pay Nunn a salary of $5.25MM, has been officially exercised, according to RealGM’s transactions log.
After spending two-plus seasons in Miami, Nunn signed a two-year, $10.25MM deal with the Lakers during the 2021 offseason, but a knee issue sidelined him for the entire ’21/22 campaign. The injury was one of many factors that contributed to Los Angeles’ struggles this past year, as the team didn’t get anything out of the player it used its mid-level exception to sign.
Nunn is expected to be on the trade block this offseason and may never end up appearing in a regular season game for the Lakers. But if he returns and if he’s fully healthy, he could still be an asset in L.A.’s backcourt.
The 26-year-old averaged 15.0 PPG, 3.0 APG, and 2.9 RPG on .458/.364/.881 shooting in 123 games (29.4 MPG) with Miami from 2019-21.
With Nunn’s salary locked in, the Lakers will have four players on guaranteed contracts for next season — LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Nunn. We can safely pencil in Russell Westbrook to that group too, since there’s virtually no chance he’ll turn down his $47MM+ player option. Austin Reaves (non-guaranteed contract) and Stanley Johnson (team option) are also good bets to return, but L.A. will still need to fill out about half its roster, with limited resources to do so.
Our player option decision tracker can be found right here.
I actually think he can help the lakers and they should hold on to him. Question is how many games will he play with them knee issues
Who let the dogs out!?
Kendrick Nunn: Woof Woof Woof Woof
Who let the dogs out!?
John Wall: Woof Woof Woof Woof
Who let the dogs out!?
Andre Iguodala: Woof Woof Woof Woof
Who let the dogs out!?
Ben Simmons: Woof Woof Woof Woof
Who let the dogs out!?
Joakim Noah: Woof Woof Woof Woof
johnatan issac knock ur door.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported on The Lowe Post podcast (1:47:10 mark).
Westbrook and a future First to Pacers for Brogdon and players
True?
Heard pacers turned it down
IMO
Pacers should accept it if Lakers offer 2 future Firsts.
Westbrook and 2 Firsts for Brogdon (Lakers overpaid)
Unless the Pacers are dumping a bad contract and getting the 2 Firsts with limited protection they should pass.
im surprised they got a pic in the lake uni.