Lakers fans make their opinion known.
Lakers Fans Want Franchise To Sign Recently Waived NBA Player originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The NBA offseason is in full swing and the Los Angeles Lakers roster already looks markedly different than it did a few months ago.
On July 6, the Lakers re‑signed center Jaxson Hayes to a one‑year extension, then inked former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton to a two‑year deal and added forward Jake LaRavia and guard Adou Thiero on a similar term.
Amid those moves, long‑time wing Dorian Finney‑Smith departed for Houston in free agency, while LeBron James elected to pick up his $52.6 million player option, ensuring the four‑time MVP returns in 2025‑26.
Just nine days later, another ripple hit the market: the Charlotte Hornets officially waived 26‑year‑old guard Josh Okogie on Tuesday, ahead of a $7.75 million salary guarantee deadline.
Josh Okogie has been waived by the Hornets, per @rodboone.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) July 15, 2025
Immediately, a chorus of Lakers fans on social media urged general manager Rob Pelinka to pounce.
"Welcome to LA," said one fan.
"Laker??" another user commented.
"@Lakers," one other fan swiftly replied.
"Laker NOW," said another commenter.
"Lakers confirmed ✅," responded one other user.
"Here come the welcome to the Lakers tweets," another fan joked.
Originally selected 20th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Okogie has built his reputation on tenacious perimeter defense and high‑energy play.
After four seasons in Minnesota, Okogie signed with the Phoenix Suns in 2022, earning a two‑year contract extension in July 2024 before getting traded to the Charlotte Hornets in January.
In 2024‑25, split between Phoenix and Charlotte, he averaged 7.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 44.3% from the field over 40 appearances.
Whether or not L.A.'s front office moves to sign Okogie remains to be seen, but regardless, Lakers fans have made their voices heard.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
