Lakers’ Latest Signing Reveals He Was in Talks With Warriors Before Redick and Pelinka Sealed the Deal
In a fascinating twist of fate that sheds light on the behind-the-scenes drama of NBA free agency, one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ most recent additions has openly admitted he was in conversations with the Golden State Warriors before committing to the Purple and Gold. The player, who now wears the Lakers jersey with pride, revealed that his heart and mind were still weighing options until Lakers head coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka stepped in with an offer that turned everything on its head. It was in that moment, according to the player himself, that the direction of his career changed for good.
This revelation offers a glimpse into the emotional and professional tug-of-war that elite NBA players go through during free agency. For this player, the decision wasn’t about chasing a paycheck—it was about fit, vision, and opportunity. And it turns out, both the Lakers and Warriors were heavily in the mix. That two of the most storied franchises in NBA history were pursuing the same player speaks volumes about his value. But it was the Lakers, not the reigning Western power from the Bay Area, who ultimately won him over.
The timing was crucial. As free agency began to heat up, the Warriors, eager to shore up depth and strengthen their roster around aging stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, began engaging with several versatile players who could add both defense and scoring off the bench. They were one of the first teams to contact the player’s camp. The conversations, according to the player, were detailed and respectful. He spoke highly of the Warriors’ culture and front office, noting that the interest was mutual. At the time, it looked like he might be heading to the Chase Center.
But just as those talks began to progress, the Lakers entered the picture. For weeks, Pelinka and Redick had been methodically analyzing their offseason targets. Redick, entering his first season as head coach, made it clear that he wanted high-IQ players who could buy into a modern style of play—movement-heavy, spacing-focused, with switchable defense and a “read-and-react” offense. This particular free agent checked every one of those boxes.
When Redick and Pelinka approached the player, their pitch was different. It wasn’t just about minutes or money. It was about vision. Redick spoke directly about how he planned to use the player—how his skill set would be optimized, how he would be given a chance to play a meaningful role in a team looking to contend. Pelinka backed up that message with a clear plan for the Lakers’ roster construction, emphasizing flexibility, balance, and trust.
That pitch resonated. The player later admitted he was “super excited” the moment the Lakers’ proposal came in. Despite ongoing conversations with the Warriors, his gut began to point toward Los Angeles. There was something about Redick’s authenticity and Pelinka’s decisiveness that stood out. And then, of course, there was the presence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis—two superstars with championship pedigree and the ability to make life easier for any teammate who joins them.
In the end, the player made what he calls a “basketball decision.” He believed the Lakers provided not just the best opportunity for him to succeed individually, but also to be part of something bigger—a legitimate run at a championship. That mindset says a lot about his priorities. While the Warriors offered history and culture, the Lakers offered momentum, hunger, and a fresh perspective under a new coach eager to prove himself.
The announcement of the signing was met with excitement across Lakers Nation. Fans were quick to point out how the addition addressed several glaring weaknesses on the roster. Whether it was perimeter defense, secondary playmaking, or reliable three-point shooting, the player immediately filled a void. Even more important, he brought with him a reputation for professionalism and work ethic—something that Redick, a former player himself, undoubtedly appreciates and prioritizes.
Meanwhile, the Warriors were left to regroup. For Golden State, missing out on this player didn’t derail their offseason, but it did signal that their sway in free agency may be waning slightly. In years past, the lure of playing with Curry and chasing a title with a seasoned team would have been enough. But with their aging core and questions around long-term contention, players now seem more inclined to bet on rising teams or situations where they can play a larger role.
That changing landscape is one reason why the Lakers were able to pounce. Despite an uneven 2024 season that ended earlier than expected, the franchise still boasts a powerful combination of legacy, media attention, and now, thanks to Redick, a fresh voice in the locker room. The player cited Redick’s clarity and directness as one of the main reasons he committed. In an era where players are tired of uncertainty and mixed messages, the straightforward approach can be a game-changer.
The player’s decision also highlights the often overlooked role of relationships in free agency. JJ Redick’s transition from analyst to coach raised eyebrows, but his reputation among current and former players as someone who understands the modern NBA is proving to be an asset. His ability to relate, communicate, and collaborate is already paying off in tangible ways. This signing is perhaps the clearest evidence yet that Redick’s presence is more than symbolic—it’s strategic.
Looking forward, the player is expected to be a major contributor off the bench, possibly even starting in certain matchups depending on how the rotation shakes out. Training camp will be the next big test, but if his past performance is any indication, he’s ready for the challenge. He arrives in Los Angeles with a chip on his shoulder—not just because he had to choose between two juggernauts, but because he knows what’s at stake. This is a chance to prove he belongs on a championship-level roster, a chance to show the Warriors what they missed, and a chance to reward the faith that Redick and Pelinka have placed in him.
The buzz around the signing is also sparking conversations about how the Lakers plan to utilize their depth moving forward. With a mix of veteran leaders and young talent, the team is walking a fine line between development and contention. But this addition brings clarity—both in terms of roster makeup and overall direction. It’s a signal that the Lakers are not standing still. They are actively building, refining, and retooling. And most importantly, they are winning battles in free agency that could pay huge dividends come playoff time.
What remains to be seen is how the chemistry unfolds. The NBA season is long, and every team faces adversity. But this player seems uniquely suited to handle that grind. He’s been a journeyman, a grinder, and now, he’s found what he hopes is a permanent home in Los Angeles. If the early excitement and enthusiasm he’s shown is any indication, the Lakers may have found not just a rotational piece—but a difference-maker.
In the modern NBA, margins are everything. It’s not always the biggest stars that swing playoff series. Sometimes it’s the glue guys, the grinders, the versatile two-way players who make the difference. And that’s exactly what this signing represents. A calculated move that strengthens the team, sends a message to rivals, and sets the tone for the kind of basketball Redick and Pelinka want to see.
So while the Warriors may have made their pitch, it was the Lakers who closed the deal. And now, with the season looming, all eyes will be on this new addition to see if he can live up to the hype and help push the Lakers back to the top of the NBA mountain. One thing’s for sure: he’s ready. He’s motivated. And most of all, he’s “super excited” to be in Los Angeles.
