Los Angeles Lakers point guard Marcelo Huertas drives for a layup against the New Orleans Pelicans. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers had resigned Marcelo Huertas to a two-year deal on Thursday even after already trading for veteran point guard Jose Calderon.
Some analysts believed that the Brazilian playmaker is going to be released by the Lakers after acquiring the Spanish floor general, but that proved to be not part of new head coach Luke Walton's plans moving forward.
Lakers Nation noted that after LA agreed to send their draft rights to 2011's 58th overall pick Ater Majok to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Calderon and two future second-round selections, "many felt that it likely meant the end for backup Marcelo Huertas as the two guards have a pretty similar skill set".
However, not 24 hours have passed before the Lakers thumped that rumor by signing the 33-year-old São Paulo, Brazil native to a two-year contract with still undisclosed terms.
Huertas, who became a fan favorite late last season because of his knack to initiate exciting runs as a substitute for either young guards Jordan Clarkson or D'Angelo Russell in sacked coach Byron Scott's rotation, was affectionately nicknamed "The Catalyst" by teammates and fans alike.
Despite his advanced age and lack of quickness and athleticism, Huertas was able to spark the team's offense with his "outstanding court vision and passing ability".
Huertas' averages of 4.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in only 16.4 minutes of playing time per night were not that special in his first and only season in the NBA so far, but his presence on the court and in the locker room said to have counted more than what the stats officially said.
With Huertas back for a second season in La La Land, he is expected to become the third point guard behind Russell and Calderon.
Calderon, who will turn 35 this September, will earn $7.7 million with the Lakers this coming season, the final year of his four-year, $29 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks back in the summer of 2013, as per the Los Angeles Times.
He becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer and his performance in 2016-2017 will likely determine whether Walton will or will not keep him for the long term.
