Vincent Valerio-Bodon Waived Less Than 24 Hours After Signing – What’s Next for the 23-Year-Old Forward? – cgnews24 News
Vincent Valerio-Bodon: In a swift and surprising move, the Los Angeles Lakers waived 23-year-old forward Vincent Valerio-Bodon less than 24 hours after signing him to an Exhibit 10 training camp agreement. This decision comes as the Lakers navigate a congested roster situation, making it difficult for players like Valerio-Bodon to secure a spot. With the roster filled and competition fierce, the move raises questions about the Lakers’ plans for the upcoming season and what’s next for Valerio-Bodon in his NBA journey.
Lakers’ Roster Crunch: Navigating a Full House
The Lakers’ decision to cut Vincent Valerio-Bodon stems from a clear and simple reality: the roster is full. All 15 standard roster spots and the team’s three two-way contracts have already been claimed. Valerio-Bodon, despite being an intriguing young prospect, faced an uphill battle from the start to crack a roster with established players and those already signed to training camp deals.
The Lakers, like many teams, are preparing for the 2024-25 season with a focus on balancing veteran experience with youth development. However, the competition for camp invites has been intense, with four other players – Kylor Kelley, Jordan Goodwin, Quincy Olivari, and Sean East II – vying for a spot on the team. Each player is battling for an opportunity to make an impression on head coach Darvin Ham and the Lakers’ management.
Given this competitive landscape, the decision to waive Valerio-Bodon appears to be more of a logistical move rather than an indictment of his skills or potential.
The Vincent Valerio-Bodon Signing: Why the Lakers Made Their Move
Vincent Valerio-Bodon, a versatile 6-foot-9 forward/guard, has shown flashes of potential during his time with the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League affiliate. Last season, Valerio-Bodon averaged 6.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 25 games, contributing on both ends of the floor and showcasing his ability to stretch the defense with his shooting. His physical attributes and basketball IQ caught the attention of the Lakers’ front office, prompting the team to offer him an Exhibit 10 contract ahead of training camp.
An Exhibit 10 contract is a non-guaranteed, one-year deal commonly used to invite players to training camp. While it doesn’t guarantee a roster spot, it allows players to compete for one, with the possibility of transitioning to the G League if waived. Players signed to these deals are also eligible for bonuses if they spend a significant amount of time with the team’s G League affiliate, which, in Valerio-Bodon’s case, could be as high as $77,500 if he stays with South Bay for at least 60 days.
While the Lakers waived him before he could make his training camp debut, Valerio-Bodon’s Exhibit 10 contract may still have served its purpose in ensuring his future with the South Bay Lakers.
A Future in the G League: What’s Next for Valerio-Bodon?
The Lakers appear to have a plan for Vincent Valerio-Bodon, and it likely includes a significant role with the South Bay Lakers in the G League. By waiving him, the Lakers have the flexibility to continue Valerio-Bodon’s development within their system without committing a roster spot at the NBA level.
Last season, Valerio-Bodon showed flashes of growth, and the South Bay Lakers provide a structured environment where he can continue to hone his skills. The 23-year-old still has plenty of room to develop his game, particularly in terms of his scoring consistency and defensive versatility, which could make him a more valuable asset down the line.
The G League has proven to be an essential developmental platform for many players who eventually earn spots on NBA rosters, and the Lakers are known for using it to nurture talent. Valerio-Bodon will have the opportunity to improve his game alongside some notable players, including Bronny James, the Lakers’ second-round pick from the 2024 NBA Draft and the son of NBA legend LeBron James. James, who is also expected to suit up for South Bay, will be working on refining his skills after a challenging college season.
The Bigger Picture: Lakers’ Strategy Under JJ Redick
The decision to waive Vincent Valerio-Bodon so quickly also fits into a broader picture of how the Lakers are handling roster management heading into the 2024-25 season. Under new head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers are prioritizing youth development alongside their veteran core. Redick has emphasized the importance of creating a strong developmental pipeline through the G League, ensuring that promising young players get the experience and training they need to eventually contribute at the NBA level.
While Valerio-Bodon’s path to the NBA roster may have hit a roadblock, his continued involvement with the South Bay Lakers keeps him within the Lakers’ long-term plans. As the team navigates its crowded roster and competitive training camp, the focus on youth development will remain crucial for future success.
Conclusion: A Strategic Move with Long-Term Potential
While the move to waive Vincent Valerio-Bodon may have been swift, it is not necessarily the end of his journey with the Lakers. By placing him in the G League system, the Lakers are keeping a close eye on his development and leaving the door open for future opportunities.
For Valerio-Bodon, the next steps involve continuing to work on his game and making the most of his time with the South Bay Lakers. With the G League’s proven track record of helping players reach the NBA, he still has a chance to realize his potential and earn a spot on an NBA roster down the road.
As for the Lakers, their strategy under JJ Redick is clear: focus on the present while also building for the future, using the G League as a key tool for player development. Valerio-Bodon’s story is far from over, and his journey through the Lakers’ system will be one to watch in the seasons ahead.
