The 5 best buyout candidates to fill the final Lakers list

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After signing center Andre Drummond, the Los Angeles Lakers have a spot in the open roster, likely to be filled with a second addition in the buyout market (unless they buy out Marc Gasol, then they’ll have two spots) .

The 2020-21 Lakers, like any team, could always have used a few tweaks, but since LeBron James joined Anthony Davis on the injury report, the defending champions have been on the verge of desperation for the infusion of talent. LA has lost five of seven since James fell, the only wins being against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic.

In their latest effort on Wednesday, the Lakers were beaten by the Milwaukee Bucks, 112-97, in Drummond’s weird debut. It started promising but ended with him lose his big nail (thrill).

Drummond will miss a game or two, so that shouldn’t affect how the Lakers approach the market. The Lakers will be looking to add depth to the wings, although head coach Frank Vogel has said the team will prioritize ability.

“We will continue to monitor what guys are available. I’m not really going to go into the specific needs of the team or the needs of the position towards which we are orienting this ”, Vogel told the media. “It’s probably more of the available players who have the most intrigue and we think they could help us the most rather than targeting a specific skill set or something like that.

Adding another room will not happen without its obstacles. LA has a treacherous upcoming schedule including a five-game swing on the East Coast, with virtually no formal practice plans. Like Drummond, any signing can become a spinning piece and will have to acclimate without James and Davis, before readjusting once again when they return.

“We know we have a deep team, we played really good basketball, we got better with every game during this streak and we are convinced that we can win,” said Vogel. “The schedule is getting really tough over the next few weeks, but our group is going to keep working, we’re going to grind, we’re going to prepare and we’re going to believe each other.

In general, the Lakers’ main need is three-point shooting, period. In the short term, it’s a score. The frontcourt is suddenly overcrowded and the Lakers have maintained the top-tier defense despite losing their strong points. Turnover is still an issue, but it will tighten the screws when James orchestrates and the moments really matter. Another capable ball handler would be helpful, but it’s not as essential as the shooting aid.

The Lakers have been frozen since the end of January. Entering Thursday, they rank 26th in 3 points per game, 28th in marks and 24th in percentage. And that’s after a hot month of opening.

In playoff time, the Lakers’ unparalleled ability to flip the switch doesn’t necessarily apply to their shot. In the meantime, they have to hit three to be competitive.

“I think we have to shoot more than three,” as James and Davis are absent, Schröder said last week. “Me, I drive and I throw three kicks. I think it’s just a good offense and THT, Alex Caruso and all the guards that can get to the edge or into the paint and then find the extra pass for the open three. That’s how we have to play right now. “

Vogel echoed this sentiment a day later. “We have to draw more than three,” he said. “But that’s really the quality of the three, and always has been. I don’t think it’s any different at the moment.

Getting their shots down at long range clearly makes a difference in most games. The Lakers hit eight of 12 triples in Drummond’s first quarter en route to an early lead. They made two of their next 24.

GM Rob Pelinka has the minimum veteran available to complete the 15e in law. Any player purchased before April 9 is eligible to be entered for a playoff series.

Here are some names to watch out for if they become available. Spoiler: If he can’t shoot I’m not interested (apologies to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jabari Parker).

1) Otto Porter Jr.

A dream option. As a 6-foot-8 winger posting 39% three-point shots on almost four attempts per game, he fits the 3-and-D mold the Lakers are looking for perfectly.

Porter Jr. can rock everything on defense thanks to his 7’1 wingspan, and his low turnover numbers should be appealing as well.

It always felt like the 27-year-old had untapped equipment. Maybe being pushed into the title race before free will would start a fire.

If the magic of rebuilding lets him go (far from guaranteed) and the Lakers get bullish information on his back, Porter Jr. was worth more than a flyer.

2) Ben McLemore

I thought the Lakers should sue Austin Rivers, who ended up joining Milwaukee – the most popular destination for buyouts, which someone should remind small market leaders.

Alas. I go Carry on to hit the McLemore drum.

Frankly, the Lakers’ best shooting goaltender this month was… Wesley Matthews. The 34-year-old has downed 39.5% of the three in the last nine games (he’s doubtful for Friday with neck strain), while Alex Caruso has been mired in a shooting crisis and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made less than a trey a game since James’ injury.

After arrows in the sack is a welcome development, but it’s not a recipe for lasting success – especially with their top two scorers.

In contrast, McLemore adds a dynamic that the Lakers lack: a two-edged guard with devious athleticism and a reverse shot ability. He can defend at least two positions well.

McLemore played down his depressing environment with the Houston Rockets, but he shot 40% from three and averaged 10.1 points in 22.8 minutes in 2019-20 – his only opportunity to play an integral role on a team so far. eliminatory.

3) Avery bradley

Lakers, Avery Bradley

If the Lakers can’t catch a goalscorer, they can just as easily target an elite defender – especially a defender familiar with the system and the locker room. Bradley is respected among the Lakers for his pre-bubble contributions last year, and he would surely be welcomed with open arms again.

If he can approach his 36.4% clip from three and nail open looks, Bradley could play a crucial role in any playoff series.

Every Rockets veteran is a buyout contender, and the 30-year-old is no exception.

4) Wayne Ellington

Ellington would instantly become the most accurate sniper on the team. The veteran scores 42.6% of his three in 2020-21, which would be the Lakers’ best score by far.

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report went further:

His clip 42.4% downtown only tells part of the story. He manages 45% of his lines above the break, the third highest score in the league among 144 players who have thrown at least 100 of those triples. And his 67.4 effective field goal percentage on screens ranks second among anyone who has taken so many shots on those possessions.

Apparently the Pistons don’t plan to release Ellington. It could change.

5) Kyle Korver, who is not officially retired

I laugh. But seriously.

BTW, if you are wondering: what about Kelly Olynyk? He is undeniably one of the top five players who could come to the market. But his three-point shot (30.8%) and his defense are worth more blocking the frontcourt. Plus, I’m not sure LeBron is a huge fan.

UCLA, NCAA, NCAA Championship



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