Blog Overview:
In a busy free agency day, both the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers made subtle but meaningful moves aimed at long-term growth and roster balance. Detroit is bringing back two key contributors—Caris LeVert on a two-year, $29 million deal and Paul Reed (aka BBall Paul) on a two-year, $11 million contract. Meanwhile, the Lakers signed Jake LaRavia to a two-year, $12 million deal, banking on the forward’s upside after a strong finish with Sacramento.
These aren’t headline-makers—but they’re smart. LeVert provides veteran shot creation and secondary playmaking, while Reed brings hustle, rebounding, and defensive energy. In L.A., LaRavia’s two-way potential makes him an interesting rotation piece with room to grow.
🔍 Grades & Player Breakdown
- Caris LeVert (Grade: B+)
LeVert averaged 13 PPG, 3.5 assists, and brought solid wing creation for Detroit last season. He’s still only 29 and gives the Pistons a stabilizing veteran who can fill gaps between Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. - Paul Reed (Grade: B)
One of the league’s most active bigs off the bench, Reed averaged 8 points, 6 rebounds, and over 1 steal per game. He’s a disruptor on defense and a sneaky playmaker in short-roll sets. Reed is still developing, and the Pistons believe in his long-term fit. - Jake LaRavia (Grade: B)
After bouncing between the Grizzlies and Kings last season, LaRavia ended the year strong. He’s a capable shooter with size (6’8″) and switchability, and the Lakers are betting on him as a stretch-forward option behind LeBron and Rui Hachimura.
📈 Future Outlook
Detroit’s path to relevance depends on youth and structure. Bringing back LeVert and Reed shows they’re valuing internal development—putting pieces around Cade, Duren, and Ivey who can both compete now and grow into long-term fits.
For the Lakers, LaRavia’s signing is more about rotation flexibility. With injuries always looming and an aging core, having a cheap, high-upside forward who can hit shots and guard wings could prove valuable deep in the season.
Don’t be surprised if all three of these names become bigger contributors by midseason than people expect right now.
