Kendrick Nunn Reveals Why He Turned Down Money To Join Los Angeles Lakers

This year Lakers team will have a vastly different look compared to their championship roster from 2020. They've signed a slew of seasoned veterans, including future Hall of Famers Carmelo Anthony, 37, and 35-year-old Dwight Howard. However, Los Angeles has added youth, as well, such as former Heat guard Kendrick Nunn. The 26-year-old recently revealed that, despite being offered more lucrative contracts from other teams, he wanted to have another opportunity to win a ring, per Lakers Beat Writer Harrison Faigen.

Along with wanting to win a championship, Nunn acknowledged that he wants to be a sponge on this star-studded Lakers squad. He is well aware of the age gap between him and many of his teammates but is ready to be under the tutelage of some of the game's greatest players.

I asked Kendrick Nunn what made the Lakers appealing enough to turn down more money from other teams.

In short, he wants to learn from their vets and win a ring.

Full answer: pic.twitter.com/uCYEFkpyGp
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) August 6, 2021

When it came to turning down money, the former Illinois guard said it didn't require a lot of rumination, stating that "I'm a guy that knows how to sacrifice for the better of the team." Los Angeles signed Nunn using their $5.9 million taxpayer MLE. Moreover, this was the Lakers' threshold for any free agent signing this offseason.

Kendrick Nunn, on if it was hard to turn down more money elsewhere to be a Laker.

"It wasn't that hard, to be honest. I'm a guy that knows how to sacrifice for the better of the team... It's a team sport, and I want to win. That's what I play this game for, to win."
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) August 6, 2021

While there has been no shortage of doting jokes regarding this new look Lakers roster, Nunn isn't the only sign of youth on the team. They also signed Malik Monk, 23, on a veterans minimum and re-signed their burgeoning talent, Taylor Horton-Tucker, 20, to a three-year, $32 million deal.

Nunn will likely be the backup point guard for the Lakers, behind newly acquired — and former MVP — Russell Westbrook. The former first-team All-Rookie averaged 14.6 points last season, including an impressive 38.1% from three on better than 5 attempts per game.

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports