Cedi Osman recently turned down a training camp invite from the Los Angeles Lakers to sign with the Greek basketball powerhouse Panathinaikos, a significant move that has garnered attention. This decision marks a return to European basketball for Osman, who spent the last seven seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Osman, originally from North Macedonia, rejected the Lakers’ invitation because of the uncertainty regarding his chances of securing a roster spot for the upcoming season. According to a report by Nikola Miloradovic of Eurohoops, Osman was hesitant to join Los Angeles without a guaranteed contract, viewing it as too much of a risk. Instead, he chose the stability of signing with Panathinaikos, where his role on the team would be assured, offering him both financial and professional security.
Osman’s NBA career began in 2017 when he joined a Cavaliers team led by superstar LeBron James. During that time, he quickly became a reliable reserve player for Cleveland, helping the team reach the NBA Finals in the 2017-18 season. After LeBron departed for the Lakers, Osman saw a significant increase in his playing time and made the most of it, posting career-best numbers in the 2018-19 season with an average of 13.0 points per game.
Over the course of his six seasons with the Cavaliers, Osman developed a solid reputation as a dependable role player. However, in the 2023 offseason, he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs as part of a three-team deal. His time with the Spurs was short-lived, though, and he averaged 6.8 points per game in a bench role during the 2023-24 season.
Now, Osman is set to embark on a new chapter in his basketball career with Panathinaikos, one of Europe’s top clubs. His addition strengthens a team that has been aggressive in bolstering its roster, and he will play a crucial role in their pursuit of success in the EuroLeague, the premier basketball competition in Europe. Bringing in a veteran NBA player like Osman enhances Panathinaikos’ chances of competing at the highest levels of European basketball.
This decision to join Panathinaikos underscores an important theme in the careers of professional athletes: the need for security. For Osman, taking a risk by attending the Lakers’ training camp without any guarantees wasn’t worth the uncertainty. The Lakers would have offered a chance to play in the NBA, but without a clear path to a roster spot, the opportunity seemed less appealing than the certainty of a key role with Panathinaikos.
The move raises questions about whether Osman’s decision will ultimately be the right one for his long-term career. While the NBA is undoubtedly the top league in the world, Europe offers a different kind of stability and opportunity, especially for players who may no longer be in their prime or are seeking more consistent playing time. Time will tell whether this move back to European basketball was the best choice for Osman’s future.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have yet to make any significant moves this offseason, despite being under pressure to enhance their roster for the final years of LeBron James’ career. Rumors have linked the Lakers to players like Jonas Valanciunas and Zach LaVine, but no concrete deals have been made. Valanciunas would provide much-needed size and depth in the frontcourt, especially considering Anthony Davis’ frequent injuries. LaVine, a dynamic scorer, could boost the team’s offensive firepower without costing the Lakers valuable draft assets, a key consideration for a team focused on winning now.
The Lakers’ inactivity is raising concerns. On one hand, it’s possible that the front office believes the current squad, which reached the Western Conference Finals last season, is strong enough to compete again. On the other hand, there could be challenges in negotiating trades or signings, leaving the
