Lakers sign rookie forward Elias Harris to a two-year deal
The Lakers have signed former Gonzaga forward Elias Harris to a two-year, minimum-salary contract.
Harris, who went undrafted in June, impressed the team with his play in Las Vegas as part of the Lakers’ summer league squad.
“I tried to show what I’m capable of,†Harris recently told The Times. “I’m a guy who is willing to work. I’m not just a guy who is going to sit around and think everything’s going to fall into my lap. That’s just not me. I hope I get the opportunity and I can reward the guys with playing hard.â€
In five appearances, Harris averaged 10.2 points (on 44.7% overall shooting) and 5.6 rebounds a game.
He impressed new Lakers player development coach Mark Madsen.
“Elias had a great career up at Gonzaga,†Madsen told The Times. “I think the word that comes to my mind with Elias is ‘versatility.’ At times we asked him to guard two men.
“His ability to guard men, and with the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket, is a tremendous skill set,†continued Madsen.
Harris received a yet-to-be-disclosed, partial guarantee on his salary of $490,180 in his first season with the team. His second year, at $816,482, is not believed to be guaranteed.
Once the Lakers sign rookie Ryan Kelly (48th pick in the draft), the roster will be 13 deep. The team will probably carry more than the maximum of 15 into training camp.
Forward Marcus Landry is also believed to be considering a camp invite with the Lakers. Reports have also linked Shawne Williams to the team.
ALSO:
Former Laker Adam Morrison to join Gonzaga coaching staff
Steve Nash expects Kobe Bryant to exceed expectations post-injury
Mark Madsen gives his take on three promising summer league players
Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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