Lakers Guard Expected to Leave LA Behind for New Opportunity

Cam Reddish’s NBA journey appears to be taking an unexpected detour. The former Los Angeles Lakers wing is nearing a deal with Lithuania’s BC Šiauliai, according to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com.

Reddish Eyes a New Chapter Abroad

After being waived by the Lakers in March — just weeks before the regular season ended — Reddish has struggled to generate NBA interest. A move overseas now looks like the next step in his career. Per Urbonas, the 26-year-old’s expected contract would include an exit clause for 2025–26, keeping the door open for a potential NBA return or a jump to the EuroLeague and other top competitions.

For Šiauliai, the signing would be a statement move. The club recently appointed longtime San Antonio Spurs assistant Darius Songaila as head coach, and its new general manager, Ginas Rutkauskas — regarded as one of the most accomplished executives in Lithuanian basketball — has already positioned Reddish as a centerpiece of his summer acquisitions.

What Went Wrong in Los Angeles

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Reddish’s time in L.A. never gained traction. After a rescinded trade to Charlotte last winter, he returned to the Lakers but managed to appear in only two games before being waived. Across 33 games in purple and gold last season, including eight starts, he averaged just 3.2 points and 2.0 rebounds in 17.8 minutes per contest.

Still, there were flashes of promise. In the early weeks of the 2023–24 campaign, Reddish averaged 8.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. He even played a key role in the Lakers’ run to the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament championship, logging 33 minutes in the final against Indiana and chipping in 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

A Career of Untapped Potential

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Once projected as one of the most versatile wings in the 2019 draft class, Reddish entered the league with lofty expectations as part of Duke’s celebrated trio alongside Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett. Drafted 10th overall by the Atlanta Hawks, he has since played for four franchises — Atlanta, New York, Portland, and Los Angeles.

Over six seasons, he has appeared in 254 games (116 starts) with averages of 8.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 steals in 23 minutes per night. But efficiency has always been a sticking point: Reddish has shot just 39.8 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from deep for his career.

That inconsistency, more than raw talent, has defined his NBA tenure.

Building Value in Europe

Moving to Lithuania gives Reddish a chance to reset. Other NBA players, including Kevin Porter Jr. and Jabari Parker, have used overseas stints to either rebuild their value for a return or carve out meaningful careers in Europe. Reddish could follow a similar path, aiming to showcase his two-way potential on a team eager to feature him.

Šiauliai’s NBA connections, highlighted by Songaila’s coaching background, provide an environment where Reddish can rediscover his rhythm while keeping the possibility of an NBA comeback alive.

For now, one of the league’s most intriguing “what ifs” is preparing to trade the bright lights of Los Angeles for a fresh opportunity in Lithuania.

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