Lakers Sign Villanova Center to a Two-Way Contract

Eric Dixon, a 24-year-old center from the Villanova Wildcats, was just signed to a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. In many respects, it's a steal for the Lakers. They need a center right now and Dixon provides great backup to a starting center. Whether we keep Jaxson Hayes or upgrade to Myles Turner in free agency, Lakers fans can now get excited about a young backup that the Lakers themselves have been looking for. The Mark Williams trade fell through and the Lakers have been weak at the center position since. This signing is the beginning of filling that void. 

One thing we know about a Villanova Wildcat player is that they will be at least a solid player. Evidence is provided by the Villanova reunion they had with the New York Knicks. Josh Hart is a solid player, Jalen Brunson is an NBA All-Star and Mikal Bridges is a solid player as well. Dixon was the number-one scorer in college basketball last season and shot over 40% from the three-point line as well. Great at offense, if Dixon can develop defensively, he will be a force to be reckoned with down low. He is a great offensive player, but a subpar rebounder. In his best game, he scored 38 points, despite having limited playing time throughout his college career. 

I think Luka Doncic and Dixon will develop a chemistry similar to that of him and Jaxson Hayes. The difference is that Dixon is far better at shooting and scoring the ball in general. Not being drafted stung for Dixon, but he should look to use that as motivation this upcoming season to prove to everyone why he should have been drafted. While a big body is certainly a given, Dixon stands at only six-foot-eight. The Lakers need to add more size heading into free agency, a center with defensive capabilities. It'll be very interesting to see him go against Cooper Flagg in the Lakers' first Summer League game against the Dallas Mavericks. There, we will see if Dixon will be more of an addition than a subtraction heading into the season.