Category: Los Angeles Lakers Blog

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Lakers announce global marketing partnership with Bibigo

The Los Angeles Lakers have announced a multi-year global marketing partnership with Bibigo, a brand by the No. 1 food company in Korea. The partnership will feature the Bibigo logo on the Lakers jerseys beginning with the 2021-22 season.

The global marketing partnership establishes Bibigo as the first international partner ever for the Lakers and will include a large-scale integrated marketing program, including courtside branding (baseline courtside apron and rotational LED signage), social and digital fan focused campaigns.

Per the Los Angeles Times, “the five-year agreement is worth more than $100 million, according to people familiar with the deal but not authorized to disclose its terms publicly.”

And per SCNG.com, “NBA jersey patch deals have averaged $7 million to $10 million per year, according to The Athletic, though Wish reportedly was paying the Lakers between $12 million to $14 million per year, and this one is likely worth significantly more because of a recent change in NBA rules that allows teams to include their logos in overseas business deals. The Golden State Warriors reportedly have the most lucrative deal at $20 million per year with Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten.”

“This partnership is a connection of two ‘global culture icons’ of food and sports, and it is an important opportunity for Bibigo to emerge as a global food brand,” said Wookho Kyeong, CMO of CJ CheilJedang, Bibigo is a global strategic brand of CJ CheilJedang. “We look forward to the opportunities to communicate with consumers and increase the value of the brand through a global common language, sports and the Lakers.”

“The Lakers are thrilled for the opportunity to partner with Bibigo as our first ever global marketing partner,” said Tim Harris, President of Business Operations. “As Korea’s leading food brand, Bibigo is always looking for opportunities to innovate and expand their brand, and the Lakers are excited to help them to not only expand their global recognition, but to provide the opportunity to reach new fans.”

Lakers hire David Fizdale and John Lucas III as assistant coaches, and add to training staff

The Los Angeles Lakers yesterday hired David Fizdale and John Lucas III as assistant coaches on Head Coach Frank Vogel’s staff, joining assistant coaches Phil Handy, Mike Penberthy, Miles Simon and Quinton Crawford.

The Lakers also hired Roger Sancho as Head Athletic Trainer and named Ed Streit as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach.

Fizdale returns to the bench after serving as head coach of the New York Knicks from 2018-20 and the Memphis Grizzlies from 2016-18. Prior to joining the Grizzlies for his first NBA head coaching assignment, Fizdale spent the previous eight seasons (2008-09 thru 2015-16) with the Miami Heat as an assistant coach. During his tenure in Miami, the Heat won back-to-back NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013, and more Playoff games (70) and series (15) than any other NBA team. The Los Angeles native was an assistant coach for one season in Golden State (2003-04) and for four seasons in Atlanta (2004-08).

Lucas III joins the Lakers after most recently serving as a player development coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2017-19. Prior to joining Minnesota, Lucas III enjoyed an eight-year NBA career for the Timberwolves, Pistons, Jazz, Raptors, Bulls and Rockets. He owns career averages of 4.7 points, 1.0 rebound and 1.5 assists in 12.1 minutes. Lucas III played collegiately at Baylor and Oklahoma State, averaging 14.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals and was named to the All-Big 12 First Team in 2004 and 2005.

Sancho most recently spent seven seasons with the Golden State Warriors, including the past five seasons as an assistant athletic trainer. Sancho began his time with the Warriors during the 2014-15 season as the head athletic trainer for the Santa Cruz Warriors. The Sulphur Springs, Texas native earned his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2012 and his master’s degree from Baylor in 2014.

Streit was named to his new role after serving as an assistant strength & conditioning coach for the team since the 2019-20 season. Prior to joining Los Angeles, Streit spent the 2018-19 season as the head strength and conditioning coach for Dayton’s men basketball and served in the same role during the 2017-18 season at the University of Connecticut. Streit also spent three-and-a-half years with the Chicago Bulls on their strength and conditioning staff.

Lakers sign DeAndre Jordan

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed center DeAndre Jordan, it was announced today by Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka.

Per the Los Angeles Times, “the team signed the 33-year-old center and 13-year NBA veteran to a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract after he was released by the Pistons and cleared waivers. He’s the latest in a lengthening line of former All-NBA players looking for a championship run on a team loaded with veteran star power. “I had great years when I was with the Clippers. And that franchise was amazing to me. And I appreciate the time I was there, for sure,” Jordan said. “But like I said, I’m focused on now and this team, what our goals are ultimately and what we want to do. And I’m just really excited to be here. This is a great opportunity for me. And I just want to take full advantage of it.”

A 13-year NBA veteran, Jordan appeared in 57 games (43 starts) for the Nets last season, where he averaged 7.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 blocks in 21.9 minutes, while shooting a career-best 76.3 percent (190-249) from the field. Jordan is the NBA’s all-time leader in career field goal percentage, having shot 67.4 percent (3527-5234) from the field throughout his career and is the only player in NBA history with multiple seasons shooting over 70 percent from the field.

A one-time NBA All-Star, Jordan has played in 932 games (756 starts) for the Nets, Knicks, Mavericks and Clippers, holding career averages of 9.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.6 blocks in 27.4 minutes. He has appeared in 57 playoff games (all starts) for the Clippers, averaging 9.8 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.

Jordan is a three-time All-NBA selection, including one First Team selection (2016) and two Third Team selections (2015 & 2017), and led the league in rebounding in consecutive seasons from 2013-15. He was named to the All-Defensive First Team in 2015 and 2016 and helped the United States win a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

In G League, South Bay Lakers name Miles Simon as new head coach

The South Bay Lakers have named Miles Simon as head coach, it was announced today by team President/CEO Joey Buss and General Manager Nick Mazzella. Simon will be the ninth head coach in franchise history and will continue to serve as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Simon joins the South Bay organization after spending four seasons as an assistant coach with Los Angeles, having been a member of the 2020 NBA Championship staff under Head Coach Frank Vogel. Simon has twice led the charge for the Lakers summer league teams, leading the team to a championship game berth for the second consecutive summer in 2018, after taking home the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League title as an assistant on the staff. Since joining the Lakers, Simon has at times been responsible for the pre-draft workout process and has assisted with the offseason development programs for current Lakers players.

“We are extremely excited to have Miles lead the South Bay Lakers as our new head coach,” Buss said. “His vast experience as a coach and player will be invaluable to the organization as we look to establish a winning culture in our pursuit of a championship.”

“I couldn’t be happier to continue my career with the Lakers organization as South Bay’s head coach. It is an honor to lead such a successful franchise and I look forward to working with our team both on and off the court,” Simon said “South Bay has a strong track record of developing NBA talent and I can’t wait to build upon our history as one of the top teams in the NBA G League. After winning the NBA world championship in 2020 with the Lakers, I expect to bring that pedigree to South Bay as well. I want to thank Jeanie, Rob, Kurt, Frank, Joey and Nick for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Simon first joined the Lakers organization after serving as head coach of the 2017 USA Junior National Select Team for the Nike Hoops Summit, leading the USA to a victory over the World Select Team. Simon won gold medals as an assistant for the 2016 USA Men’s U17 World Championship Team, as well as the 2015 USA Men’s U16 National Team. In addition to his work with USA Basketball, Simon has also served as a college basketball analyst for ESPN.

“Miles has been an integral member of the Lakers organization for many years, both as an assistant coach on a championship team and as the leader of our summer league rosters,” said Mazzella. “His ability to develop players will be vital to our franchise and we know that he will build a winning and positive atmosphere around our organization.”

The Arizona alumnus was the 1997 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player after leading the Wildcats to a National Championship as a junior. Upon graduation, Simon played one season for the Orlando Magic before spending time overseas and in the CBA. After his playing career, Simon spent three seasons (2005-08) as an assistant coach at Arizona on Lute Olson’s staff.

Lakers sign Chaundee Brown Jr. and Mac McClung

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Chaundee Brown Jr. and Mac McClung, it was announced yesterday.

In 112 games (74 starts) for Wake Forest and Michigan, Brown Jr. averaged 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 24.6 minutes. In his lone season at Michigan, Brown Jr. averaged 8.0 points and 3.1 rebounds and was named to the 2021 NCAA All-East Regional Team.

In 79 games (78 starts) for Georgetown and Texas Tech, McClung averaged 14.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steal in 27.9 minutes. A 2020-21 All-Big 12 Second Team selection, McClung averaged 15.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his lone season at Texas Tech.

Five-team NBA trade sends Russell Westbrook to Lakers, Spencer Dinwiddie and Kyle Kuzma to Wizards

The Washington Wizards announced yesterday that they have acquired guard Spencer Dinwiddie from the Brooklyn Nets; guard Aaron Holiday, the rights to forward Isaiah Todd and cash considerations from the Indiana Pacers; and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell from the Los Angeles Lakers in a five-team trade.

Washington sent guard Russell Westbrook and second-round picks in 2023, 2024 and 2028 to the Los Angeles Lakers; forward Chandler Hutchison and a 2022 second round pick to the San Antonio Spurs; and a 2024 second-round pick along with the right to swap second-round picks in 2025 to the Brooklyn Nets. As part of the trade, Indiana acquired the rights to Isaiah Jackson, who was selected with the 22nd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Brooklyn also received the rights to 2015 first-round pick Nikola Milutinov from the Spurs as part of the deal.

“It takes a special mentality of competitiveness to take on the role of point guard for The Los Angeles Lakers,” said Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka. “We have seen some of the all-time greats master that role here, and now Russell Westbrook gets to come home and do just that. This is a very proud day for our franchise, and we are incredibly grateful. We welcome Russell and his family to Lakers Nation.”

“We were clear as we moved into the offseason that we would be aggressive in making moves that would improve our defense, shooting and athleticism,” said Wizards General Manager Tommy Sheppard. “Starting with hiring Coach Unseld, then moving to the draft and the acquisition of these five players via trade, we feel confident that we have made significant progress in those areas.”

“Each player that we acquired in this trade addresses a need for us in addition to bringing experience, toughness and a winning attitude that makes them ideal fits around Bradley and the rest of our returning roster,” said Sheppard. “Spencer’s athleticism allows him to score and make plays for others with Aaron’s hard-nosed style off the bench making a complementary pair of point guards. Kyle and KCP are proven three-and-D players with significant championship experience while Montrezl’s energy and effort personify the way we want to play every night.”

Dinwiddie (6-5, 215), who comes to Washington in a sign-and-trade deal, has appeared in 320 career games (133 starts) with the Pistons and Nets, and holds career averages of 12.9 points, 5.0 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 25.7 minutes per game. In five seasons with Brooklyn, Dinwiddie averaged 14.3 points, 5.3 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 274 games (132 starts) and posted career-highs in points (20.6 ppg) and assists (6.8 apg) during the 2019-20 season. The Colorado product appeared in only three games during the 2020-2021 season, after undergoing surgery to repair a partially torn ACL he suffered on December 27, 2020 (he has been cleared for all basketball activities since June).

Originally selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, Caldwell-Pope (6-5, 204) holds career averages of 11.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists and 29.1 minutes per game in 606 career games (464 starts) with Detroit and Los Angeles. The 6-5, 204-pound guard, has shot .370 percent or better from three-point range in three of the past four seasons and shot a career-best .410 from three-point territory last season.

Last season, the eight-year NBA veteran averaged 9.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 67 games (all starts) for the Lakers. Caldwell-Pope was an integral part of the Lakers 2020 NBA Championship team, where he averaged 12.8 points per game in the Finals against the Miami Heat.

A fourth-year forward, Kuzma (6-10, 221) holds career averages of 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 276 (146 starts) with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Flint, MI, native, has averaged at least 12.0 points and four rebounds per game in every year of his career, joining Jayson Tatum and Lauri Markkanen as the only players from the 2017 NBA Draft class to post these averages in all four seasons.

During the 2020-21 season, Kuzma averaged 12.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and a career-high 1.9 assists in 68 games (32 starts), while shooting .361 percent from three-point range on 5.6 attempts per game. Last season, the Utah product reached double-figures on 45 occasions, scored 20+ points 13 times and totaled 13 double-doubles. Selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Lakers, Kuzma was selected to the All-Rookie First-Team.

Harrell, 6-7, 240, has appeared in 387 career games (26 starts) across six seasons with the Houston Rockets (2015-2017), Los Angeles Clippers (2017-2020) and Los Angeles Lakers (2020-2021), averaging 12.8 points on .616 percent shooting, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 21.2 minutes per game. In 69 games (one start) with the Lakers last season, he averaged 13.5 points on .622 shooting, 6.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.

The former Sixth Man of the Year (2019-20) has averaged 10 or more points per game the past four consecutive years while making five or fewer starts in those seasons, joining Jordan Clarkson as the only players to do so since the 2017-18 season.

Holiday, 24, has averaged 7.7 points, 2.4 assists and 1.7 rebounds, while shooting .372 percent from three-point range in 182 career games (41 starts) over three seasons with the Indiana Pacers. The 6-0, 185-pound guard averaged 7.2 points and 1.9 assists in 66 games (eight starts) during the 2020-2021 season.

Drafted with the 23rd overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Holiday posted career-bests in points (9.5 ppg), assists (3.4 apg) and rebounds (2.4 rpg) during the 2019-20 season.

Washington also acquired Isaiah Todd on draft night, who was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 31st overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Todd, a 6-10, 210-pound forward, played for G League Ignite in its inaugural season in 2020-21, averaging 12.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in 16 games (three starts).

In one season with Washington, Westbrook averaged 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and a league-leading 11.7 assists per game in 65 games (all starts), the fourth career season he has averaged a triple-double. The 13-year guard became the NBA’s all-time triple-double leader on May 10, 2021, after passing Oscar Robertson’s 181 triple-double record. He concluded the regular season with 36 straight double-doubles and a league-best 38 triple-doubles.

Hutchison, who was acquired by Washington in a three-team trade on March 25, 2021, averaged 5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 18 games (one start) with the Wizards last season.

“Russell was a tremendous leader for us and watching him make history while with the Wizards was a privilege for me, our players and our fans that none of us will ever forget,” said Sheppard. “The impact he made on our franchise and our players in just one season is remarkable and we wish him the best as he continues his Hall of Fame career. We also appreciate Chandler for the work he put in during his time with us and extend him our encouragement as he progresses in his development.”

Lakers sign Kendrick Nunn

The Los Angeles Lakers yesterday signed guard Kendrick Nunn.

Nunn appeared in 56 games (44 starts) for Miami last season, averaging 14.6 points (.381 3P%), 3.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 29.5 minutes. He played in four playoff games (two starts) last season, where he averaged 10.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 23.3 minutes per game.

In two seasons with Miami, Nunn appeared in 123 games (111 starts) with career averages of 15.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists, while shooting 36.4 percent (259-711 3FG) from three-point range. Nunn was a 2019-20 All-Rookie First Team selection and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in 2020.

Lakers sign Dwight Howard

The Los Angeles Lakers yesterday signed center Dwight Howard.

Entering his 18th NBA season, Howard owns career averages of 16.2 points, 12.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks through 1,182 games (1,051 starts) with Orlando, Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, Philadelphia and the Lakers. He currently ranks eighth in all-time field goal percentage, converting 58.6 percent of his shots from the field (minimum 2,000 FGM).

An eight-time NBA All-Star and the 2004 first overall draft pick, Howard appeared in 69 games (six starts) with the 76ers last season, where he averaged 7.0 points and 8.4 rebounds in 17.3 minutes. He returns to Los Angeles after averaging 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 2019-20, helping the team win the 2020 NBA Championship.

Howard is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year – winning the award in consecutive seasons from 2009-11 – and has led the league in rebounds five times (2007-10, ’11-13), blocks twice (2008-10) and field goal percentage once (2009-10). He enters the season ranking first among active players in career rebounds (14, 271) and blocks (2,192).

Lakers sign Carmelo Anthony

The Los Angeles Lakers yesterday signed forward Carmelo Anthony.

Entering his 19th NBA season, Anthony owns career averages of 23.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steal through 1,191 games (1,117 starts) with Denver, New York, Oklahoma City, Houston and Portland. He currently ranks 10th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 27,370 career points.

A 10-time NBA All-Star and the inaugural Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion in 2021, Anthony appeared in 69 games (three starts), with the Trail Blazers last season, where he averaged 13.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 40.9 percent (133-235 3FG) from three-point range in 24.5 minutes per game.

He has appeared in 83 career playoff games (77 starts) for the Nuggets, Knicks, Thunder and Trail Blazers, averaging 23.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 37.3 minutes.

Anthony is a six-time All-NBA selection, including two Second Team selections (2009-10 & 2012-13) and four Third Team selections (2005-07, 2008-09, 2011-12) and led the league in scoring during the 2012-13 season. He is a four-time Olympian and a three-time Olympic gold medalist, helping the United States capture gold in 2016, 2012 and 2008.

Lakers sign head coach Frank Vogel to contract extension

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed head coach Frank Vogel to a contract extension, it was announced today by Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka.

Vogel, the 27th head coach in Lakers franchise history and the 23rd in the Los Angeles era, has amassed a 94-49 regular season record in two seasons with the team. He has tallied a record of 18-9 in the postseason, while leading the franchise to it’s 17th NBA Championship in 2020.

In the shortened 71-game 2019-2020 season, Vogel’s team finished first in the conference with a 52-19 record, earning the franchise it’s 24th Pacific Division title. He earned Western Conference Coach of the Month honors for October/November after a franchise record-tying 17-2 start to the season. The team shot a league-leading 48.0 percent from the field and tallied 13 consecutive road victories, tied for the third-best road streak all-time.

Los Angeles went on to set an NBA record by defeating 18 consecutive conference opponents on the road. Vogel guided the team to a birth in the NBA Finals by winning the first three playoff series in five games apiece. In game six of the NBA Finals, the Lakers became the third team in the last 50 seasons to clinch an NBA title in a wire-to-wire win, leading the HEAT by as many as 36 points in the contest.

Vogel also led the Lakers to the league’s No. 1 ranked defense last season, which is the third time in Vogel’s career that he has led his team to the No. 1 ranking.