The decision to waive Reddish came as part of the Lakers’ roster adjustments late in the season. His production reflected a player who struggled to find a consistent offensive role, posting averages of 8.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game over his career while shooting 39.8% from the field and 32.2% from three-point range. While he had moments of value as a perimeter defender and, at times, a larger lineup look, the Lakers determined that his offensive reliability did not meet the required standard to maintain a secure place in the rotation.
The upcoming Summer League assignment with Orlando serves as a low-risk, high-focus opportunity for Reddish. The main objective is to demonstrate that he can guard multiple positions, space the floor, and make simple, smart reads without requiring heavy ball-handling duties to stay engaged. For the Magic, it’s a practical evaluation to see whether his defensive tools still translate against younger players competing for spots. If his jumper is even workable and his defense holds up, he could earn a training camp invitation or remind other teams that he remains a viable depth option at the wing position. If not, the path to a renewed NBA opportunity becomes more challenging.
This development is not framed as a rebuke of the Lakers’ decision but rather as a continuation of Reddish’s career arc. The Lakers prioritized other roster needs, focusing on players who could contribute immediately, especially on the perimeter. Reddish now has a platform to redefine his professional narrative through Summer League, underscoring the ongoing search by teams for affordable, versatile wing depth around their foundational stars.
In sum, the Orlando Summer League offers Reddish a clear assignment: reestablish his defensive effectiveness, prove that his offense can function in a more streamlined role, and show that the earlier years of his career did not represent the final chapter of his trajectory. It’s a pivotal step for a player aiming to re-enter the league as a trusted contributor rather than a lottery-era prospect, with the potential to influence NBA teams’ assessments of his remaining value as a rotation piece.
