dailynews:Not even 24hours later, the Lakers had reached an agreement with Radmanovic, a 6-foot-10 forward and career 38.1 percent 3-point shooter, in their big free- agent move of the summer.
After playing last season for Seattle and the Clippers, Radmanovic will sign a five-year contract for approximately $30million. The contract is for the full mid-level exception and is the maximum the Lakers could offer under league salary-cap rules.
In a conference call with reporters, agent David Bauman said Radmanovic, 25, had a half-hour conversation with Jackson that "probably sealed the deal."
According to Bauman, Bryant also told Radmanovic, "You're our guy. You're the shooter we need and want. You're going to make us better and we're going to make you better."
Radmanovic had the same contract offer from the Clippers, with Bauman saying general manager Elgin Baylor, coach Mike Dunleavy and executive vice president Andy Roeser "did everything they could to make him a strong offer."
The Clippers quickly found a replacement for Radmanovic, reaching an agreement Saturday with free-agent forward Tim Thomas.
The Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks also were interested in Radmanovic, who turned down a six-year, $42-million contract last summer in order to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.
"Most people at the time thought he was out of his mind for doing so and thought he was being greedy," Bauman said. "The situation wasn't about the money last summer. He wasn't comfortable long-term with the fit for him (in Seattle)."
Radmanovic will be counted on to stretch opposing defenses with his outside shooting. He was able to find the starting job - likely at small forward, replacing Luke Walton - that wasn't always there for him in Seattle or with the Clippers.
Talk about overpaid, he will provide them with good offense but the team will need to find someone to give them a defensive presence as well.
