The Los Angeles Lakers are the team to beat in the Western Conference right now and we’ll assume it’s going to be that way for as long as LeBron James and Anthony Davis stay with the team. Still, even great things can be improved from time to time.
It’s clear that the Lakers lack some depth at the point guard spot. Rajon Rondo isn’t getting any younger, he’s struggled to stay healthy over the past couple of years and let’s face it: he’s not the top-tier backcourt defender he once was.
Thus, even if the Lakers hold on to Rondo for another season, they must address their point guard situation. With James running the offense most of the time, they need someone who can allow him to get a breather or play off the ball. Today, we’re going to let you know about the top free agency and trade candidates they should consider signing:
Free Agency Targets
Goran Dragic
Goran Dragic has embraced his role with the Miami Heat this season without hesitation. Still, it seems like he would be better off either starting or coming off the bench for the Lakers, considering they have a bigger shot at winning an NBA Championship.
Dragic doesn’t need to have the ball on his hands to make an impact. He can play at the shooting guard spot or create for others if needed, and that’s the kind of versatility that could come pretty handily for Frank Vogel’s team. He’d gladly take a discount to join them.
Jeff Teague
Jeff Teague is far from the All-Star point guard he was during his first stint with the Atlanta Hawks. He’s lost his first-step and his explosiveness but he’s still a savvy veteran playmaker that could make a huge impact off the bench for them.
Moreover, the Los Angeles Lakers have been craving shooters since the start of the season and Teague is a respectable threat from beyond the arc. More importantly, they wouldn’t have to offer him much money to convince him to relocate.
D.J. Augustin
D.J. Augustin has proven to be a reliable, consistent, and somewhat efficient backup point guard throughout his entire career in the NBA. In fact, he earned the nod as the Orlando Magic’s starting point guard last season and did a decent job.
The Lakers need someone that can lead the way off the bench and Augustin is used to doing that. He’s an instant-offense kind of guy and an above-the-average playmaker that could help them when LeBron has to sit, even if he’s already 32.
Trade Targets
Eric Bledsoe
Eric Bledsoe has been good for the Milwaukee Bucks but he’s a somewhat odd fit next to Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Also, let’s not ignore the fact that he’s also represented by Rich Paul, like Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
It doesn’t seem like convincing Bledsoe to move back to Los Angeles would a tough task. Also, the Lakers could offer some strong value in return with Danny Green and Kyle Kuzma, so it would be pretty difficult for the Bucks to reject that deal.
Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose deserves to win an NBA Championship. Moreover, he deserves to – at least – have the chance to play for an NBA Championship. He gets along with LeBron James pretty well and he’ll definitely want a second chance to prove his worth next to the King.
Rose has been balling out over the past couple of seasons but he’s played meaningless minutes in losing teams. He would be wise to try and force a move to a Championship contender and we just can’t think of a better fit than the Lakers. They could get him for Quinn Cook and Kyle Kuzma.
Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie is the definition of a late bloomer. Teams gave up on him too early and he’s been playing his heart out for the Brooklyn Nets over the past couple of years. He’s proven to be capable of starting or leading the offense of the second unit.
Dinwiddie rarely turns the ball over and is a great leader and playmaker. He’s also a versatile scorer who could come pretty handy for the Lakers. Kyrie Irving is going to be back for the Nets next year so they’ll gladly move on from Dinwiddie. The Lakers could get him for Kyle Kuzma and Danny Green.
Chris Paul
And, obviously, there’s not going to be a better trade candidate than Chris Paul, even at his age. He’s turned back the clock this season and leading a rebuilding team to a top-5 seed in the Western Conference, even against the odds and all his doubters.
Absorbing Paul’s massive salary would be tough for the Lakers but he’s one of LeBron’s closest friends and the kind of player that could make them significantly better. He was destined to wear the purple and gold before the vetoed trade. The Lakers could get him for Kyle Kuzma and Danny Green.
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