LeBron James has done a great job running the offense for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, but it hasn’t changed their desire for a true point guard. In truth, L.A.’s search guard depth is one of the worst kept secrets in the league.
At 35-years-old, LeBron needs another ball-handler to help lighten the load almost as much as the Lakers need more shooting.
No doubt, when the opportunity arises, they will look to fulfill these needs via free agency or trade. Luckily for the Lakers, one name has already surfaced — Goran Dragic of the Miami Heat, a veteran point guard who can handle the rock, shoot the ball, and stay out of the way.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report broke it all down.
With few to no alternative wings worth the Lakers’ time, settling on Goran Dragic is the move.
Bench-heavy lineups that have him spell LeBron as the primary ball-handler would be infinitely more potent than Rajon Rondo-led combinations. He also poses less of an overlap next to LeBron himself.
Spot-up possessions have accounted for more than 15 percent of Dragic’s total offense so far this season. He rates inside the 70th percentile of efficiency in these situations. By comparison, more than 18 percent of Rondo’s offensive possessions have come as spot-ups. He’s in the 27th percentile of efficiency.
Dragic is far from the player he used to be when the Heat first signed him in 2015. But at 33-years-old, he’s still got plenty of time left and is coming off this season averaging 16 points, 5 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. These marks are the highest they’ve been for Dragic since 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99B0JJcgi_g
He’s not necessarily a big name, but do the Lakers really need one anyway? With Lebron James and Anthony Davis, the franchise already has its core in place, and they’ve been good enough this season to earn the top spot in the West. Adding Dragic would be like adding some extra seasoning to your favorite dish.
Expect the Lakers to at least consider him when they mull their options this fall.
