Giles III was released by Brooklyn to make a roster spot that accommodates their 2024 trade deadline moves.
A former member of the Brooklyn Nets found a new home on the West Coast for the remainder of this 2023-24 season.
Ex-Nets big man Harry Giles III has joined the Los Angeles Lakers via a two-way contract, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic. The signing became official on Sunday, as announced by the ball club.
Giles III as a Net
Coming off two full seasons of inactivity due to knee issues, Giles III returned to the NBA and inked a non-guaranteed, minimum deal for the Nets in last year’s offseason. He ultimately earned a roster spot and was able to remain in the team beyond Jan. 7 — the date on which his contract was fully guaranteed by the team as mandated by league guidelines.
But upon the trades made by Brooklyn in the previous trade deadline, the 25-year-old served as the odd man out and eventually got waived by the team to create roster spots. He ended his Nets campaign in a minimal role and exposure by averaging 3.4 points and 1.6 boards. He only played 5.1 minutes in 16 regular season appearances.
The Lakers identified the Giles III signing due to the key absences of their frontcourt support units, Christian Wood (knee swelling) and Colin Castleton (right wrist fracture). Even in a two-way deal, Harry may at least see some short on-court exposure to back up star big man Anthony Davis.
“I think he’s a really good young player,” Ham said of Giles III. “He was available, and we saw an opportunity to gain a little insurance at that position. … He’s also someone we can take a long, hard look at as far as implementing him into the program.”
Upon his L.A. landing, Giles III reunites with Spencer Dinwiddie. Both the big man and the veteran guard shared the court and started their season in Brooklyn.