Armel Traore went unselected in the 2024 NBA Draft last month.
However, he is coming off a year in which he appeared in 33 games with the ADA Blois Basket 41 and averaged 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 54.1% from the field and 26.2% from three-point range.
On Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers officially announced that they had signed Traore to a two-way contract.
From the Los Angeles Lakers: “The Los Angeles Lakers have signed forward Armel Traore to a two-way contract.”
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed forward Armel Traore to a two-way contract. pic.twitter.com/vNPIFOteEj
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 5, 2024
The Lakers have done a great job developing undrafted players (and second-round picks) over the past eight years.
Some of these players include Alex Caruso, Austin Reeves and Max Christie.
They also have a new head coach, JJ Redick, who is expected to make a big difference in getting the most out of his players.
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick speaks during a press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California, USA, July 2, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports/Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Traore is just 21 years old and an intriguing player for the Lakers as he shuttles between the NBA and G League.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported on April 9: “Armel Traore has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, he told ESPN. The 6-foot-9 forward with a 7-foot-3 wingspan is enjoying a productive season in the French first division, averaging 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds in 25 minutes per game for Blois.”
Armelle Traore has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, he told ESPN. The 6-foot-9 forward with a 7-foot-3 wingspan is enjoying a productive season in the French first division, averaging 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds in 25 minutes per game for Blois. pic.twitter.com/8ryAs8xUJd
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 9, 2024
As for the Lakers, they went 47-35 last year and were the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
They lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs.