Jeffrey Carroll signs with the Los Angeles Lakers

The NBA’s two most storied franchises have doled out plenty of money to two former Oklahoma State Cowboys today. After the Boston Celtics announced signing their longest tenured player Marcus Smart to a four year deal, the Los Angeles Lakers followed that up by announcing the signing of undrafted free agent Jeffrey Carroll.

Due to team policy, the Lakers didn’t release the details of Carroll’s contract. The news comes fresh off of the Lakers loss in the championship game of the NBA Summer League. Carroll performed well when he got his chance, scoring 4.2 points and grabbing 2 rebounds in 9 minutes per game. Carroll likely signed an exhibit 10 contract, according to Silver Screen and Roll. An exhibit 10 contract means that the Lakers can choose to sign Carroll to a two way contract, where he would spend time between the Los Angeles Lakers and the South Bay Lakers, the teams G League affiliate. If the Lakers front office decides not to ink Carroll to a two way contract, and he spends at least 60 days with the South Bay Lakers, he will receive a bonus for his time with the organization.

For Carroll, he will have a chance to show out for the Lakers G League team with a chance to be called up to the Los Angeles Lakers. Many players sign exhibit 10 contracts, or similar contracts, including Andre Ingram, a South Bay Laker who was called up to the Los Angeles Lakers after spending 10 seasons with the G League affiliate. Ingram played well in two games for the Lakers last season.

While Carroll will likely realize his dream of playing in the association sooner than Ingram did, it may not be for the Lakers. Of course, the Lakers will be keeping a close eye on him, but if he performs well, a team without a lot of depth on the wing could come in and sign him.

Should Carroll make the Lakers this season, new teammate Lebron James should flourish under Carroll’s tutelage and thrive coming off the bench to back up Carroll. Jeff will be in a unique position to be able to help a 2K cover athlete improve his game, while also causing him to come off the bench. In all seriousness, Carroll could learn a lot from the #1 pick in the 2003 draft.

No matter what contract Carroll signed, signing a contract to play for an NBA franchise means you’re among the best basketball players in the world. This is a huge opportunity for Jeff and all of us at Cowboys Ride For Free wish him the best of luck in training camp and throughout next season. Congratulations, Jeff! You’ll always have your Cowboy family behind you.