Los Angeles Lakers Officially Sign Ex-Grizzlies Starter, Adding Depth to Roster
In a significant move to bolster their roster for the upcoming season, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed former Memphis Grizzlies starter, John Konchar. The versatile wing player, who has spent the majority of his career with the Grizzlies, brings valuable experience, defensive prowess, and an improved offensive game to the Lakers’ already star-studded roster.
The Lakers’ front office made the announcement on January 18, 2025, confirming that Konchar had agreed to terms on a multi-year deal that could have a significant impact on the team’s depth heading into the season’s crucial second half. The 28-year-old has proven himself as a reliable role player and a solid contributor, known for his tenacity on defense, his ability to impact games in multiple ways, and his strong work ethic.
A Versatile Addition to the Lakers
John Konchar’s addition to the Lakers provides them with a player who can contribute on both ends of the court. At 6-foot-5 and 209 pounds, Konchar has the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions, making him a valuable piece for head coach Darvin Ham, who has emphasized defensive versatility throughout his tenure with the team.
The Lakers’ defensive identity has always been a cornerstone of their success, especially during their championship run in 2020. Konchar, who made a name for himself with the Grizzlies as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, will complement the Lakers’ existing defense-first mentality, particularly alongside players like Anthony Davis and LeBron James, who are known for their shot-blocking and ability to shut down opposing teams.
Offensively, Konchar brings an efficient shooting stroke to the Lakers’ lineup. Over the course of his career with Memphis, he has steadily improved his three-point shooting, making him a credible threat from beyond the arc. Konchar shot a career-high 39.5% from three-point range in the 2023-2024 season, which will help space the floor for the Lakers’ superstars. This will be particularly valuable when LeBron James and Anthony Davis are looking to operate in the paint, as Konchar’s ability to stretch the floor will create more opportunities for the team’s primary scorers.
While he may not be a high-volume scorer, Konchar’s ability to contribute in a variety of ways—including as a rebounder, playmaker, and hustle player—aligns with the Lakers’ emphasis on role players who understand their place within the system. His selflessness and basketball IQ are traits that should mesh well with the team’s established culture of unselfish play and defensive intensity.
Konchar’s Career Journey and Impact with Memphis
Konchar’s path to the NBA was not conventional, as he went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft after a standout career at Purdue Fort Wayne. His perseverance paid off, however, as he was signed by the Memphis Grizzlies and quickly became an important piece of their rotation. Known for his gritty play and high basketball IQ, Konchar made an immediate impact on the Grizzlies, earning consistent minutes off the bench in his rookie season.
Over the next few years, Konchar carved out a reputation as a dependable role player for the Grizzlies, often stepping into the starting lineup when injuries or rest days affected key players like Ja Morant or Desmond Bane. During the 2023-2024 season, Konchar averaged 7.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, showing his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories.
While Konchar may not have been a superstar in Memphis, his consistency, leadership, and ability to impact the game without needing the spotlight made him a fan favorite. His commitment to doing the dirty work—whether it was diving for loose balls, locking down opposing players on defense, or making the right pass—made him an invaluable asset to the Grizzlies’ success.
His impact was felt most strongly during the Grizzlies’ deep playoff runs in recent years, where Konchar’s all-around game helped the team stay competitive in high-pressure situations. Although the Grizzlies ultimately fell short of reaching the NBA Finals during Konchar’s tenure, his contributions were never overlooked by teammates, coaches, or analysts who recognized the importance of players like him in creating a championship-caliber team.
A Fresh Start with the Lakers
The decision to join the Los Angeles Lakers represents a fresh chapter in Konchar’s career. For a player who has built a reputation as a valuable role player, moving to a team with championship aspirations such as the Lakers presents new challenges and opportunities.
The Lakers have long been known for their high expectations, with the ultimate goal being to win championships. As a result, Konchar will need to adapt quickly to playing alongside superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both of whom have established themselves as two of the league’s top players. However, Konchar’s experience in Memphis playing with a young, dynamic core has prepared him well for the pressure that comes with playing for a championship contender. His defensive mentality and team-first attitude should make him an ideal fit alongside the Lakers’ star power, as the team looks to strengthen its bid for an NBA title.
The addition of Konchar also helps the Lakers in their quest to develop a more balanced, complete team. While the Lakers have been led by the dominant play of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they’ve often relied on a collection of role players to step up when necessary. With the signing of Konchar, the Lakers are improving their depth, making them a more formidable opponent for any team in the league.
Lakers’ Pursuit of Title Glory
The Lakers, who are coming off an encouraging 2024-2025 campaign, are eyeing a return to championship contention after falling short in previous seasons. The addition of Konchar complements their existing roster, which already includes some of the most elite players in the NBA. With LeBron James continuing to defy age and Anthony Davis remaining one of the league’s premier big men, the Lakers now have even more options off the bench, with Konchar’s ability to guard multiple positions and hit timely shots adding another layer of versatility to the squad.
In a Western Conference that remains highly competitive, the Lakers’ signing of Konchar could prove to be a key move as they look to solidify their place as one of the NBA’s top contenders. Konchar’s defense-first mindset, shooting ability, and leadership experience will likely play a significant role in the Lakers’ title aspirations moving forward.
As the season progresses, Lakers fans will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on Konchar’s contributions as he looks to make an immediate impact in his new role with the team. The signing reflects the Lakers’ commitment to improving their roster and building a team capable of competing at the highest level.
Conclusion
By officially signing John Konchar, the Los Angeles Lakers have added a key piece to their puzzle. Known for his defense, versatility, and steady play, Konchar will bring much-needed depth and balance to a Lakers team that already features some of the NBA’s biggest stars. The Lakers’ signing of Konchar is a clear signal that they are focused on creating a championship-caliber roster, one that blends star power with reliable role players who can contribute in various ways. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Konchar integrates into the Lakers’ system as they push forward in their pursuit of another NBA title.
