Former Lakers Champion JaVale McGee Finds New Life as a Dominant Star Overseas

Los Angeles Lakers fans will always remember JaVale McGee fondly.

As a crucial role player on the 2020 NBA championship team inside the Bubble, McGee brought energy, rim protection, and professionalism to a title-winning roster. Now, years later and far from the NBA grind, he’s found a surprising — and impressive — second act.

This time, the spotlight shines in Australia.

🌏 A New Chapter Down Under

McGee signed with the Illawarra Hawks of the NBL this past summer, joining the reigning champions with one goal: help defend their title.

For Lakers fans, the Hawks’ name may ring a bell. It’s the same organization where LaMelo Ball played prior to entering the 2020 NBA Draft, putting up eye-catching numbers and launching his path to NBA stardom.

Now, it’s McGee’s turn to dominate on that same stage.

🦅 McGee Is Dominating the NBL — Even If the Team Is Struggling

The Hawks haven’t enjoyed the season they hoped for. Sitting at 6–10 with a –6.6 point differential, Illawarra has struggled to climb the standings.

But make no mistake — those struggles are not on McGee.

At 37 years old, the former Lakers big man has been one of the most productive players in the entire league.

📊 Eye-Popping Numbers From a Former NBA Champion

During the 2025–26 NBL season, McGee is averaging:

• 22.3 points per game
• 10.6 rebounds
• 2.1 blocks
• 2.0 assists
• 1.3 steals
• 59.0% shooting from the field

Those numbers would be impressive for any player — let alone a veteran whose NBA role had diminished in recent seasons.

🧠 A Role Perfectly Tailored to His Strengths

McGee’s dominance overseas highlights something the NBA often can’t offer aging bigs: freedom and volume.

In Australia, he’s:

• A focal point of the offense
• A primary rim protector
• A veteran leader relied on nightly

Naturally, this level of production eclipses anything he posted during his NBA career — with the lone exception being his shot-blocking prowess, which always translated regardless of league.

⏪ A Stark Contrast From His Final NBA Season

McGee last appeared in the NBA during the 2023–24 season, coming off the bench for the Sacramento Kings.

That year, he averaged just:

• 4.0 points
• 2.7 rebounds

The difference is jarring — and revealing.

Away from limited minutes and situational usage, McGee has reclaimed the version of himself that once helped championship teams win.

🌟 Another Example of Former Lakers Thriving Overseas

McGee joins a growing list of former Lakers who have found renewed success overseas after their NBA roles faded.

While his time as a rotational big in the NBA may be over, his basketball journey clearly isn’t.

For a player who once played a key role on the league’s biggest stage, this second act is a reminder:

Sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to shine again.