NBA rumors: Lakers buyout options for final roster spot
By Ian Levy
The Los Angeles Lakers have one empty roster spot and are still looking for playoff depth. Who can they get to fill it?
In preparation for the NBA trade deadline, the Lakers released Quinn Cook, opening up a second roster spot to potentially facilitate a deal. Nothing materialized but the Lakers were able to land Andre Drummond to fill one of those roster spots, fortifying their frontcourt.
Even if LeBron James and Anthony Davis were healthy, it would be essential for them to fill that final roster spot with someone who could contribute if called upon during the playoffs. With LeBron and Davis out it becomes even more important to get a meaningful player.
The Lakers could use depth in several spots but after signing Drummond, landing a versatile wing defender who can hit some open shots is probably the most pressing need. Jovan Buha of The Athletic confirmed that a 3-and-D contributor is probably at the top of the Lakers’ wish list.
What 3-and-D options could the Lakers sign to fill their final roster spot?
The market isn’t fully clear at this point — teams have until Apr. 9 to sign players who will still be eligible for the playoffs so there are some additional options that could become available. Clutchpoints mentioned Avery Bradley as a possibility, both for his skill set and his familiarity with the Lakers. Bradley opted out of the bubble last season but played 49 regular-season games for the Lakers, hitting 36 percent of his 3s.
Cory Joseph is another possibility, who was recently traded from the Kings to the Pistons and could eventually be bought out. Joseph is not a great 3-point shooter but he’s a useful, experienced ball-handler who can defend both 1s and 2s. Jabari Parker is another option, although he’s a shaky defender and not a great shooter but could be intriguing because of his more versatile offensive skill set. A young player like Terrance Ferguson is another possibility, although he’d be a bit more of a gamble.
It’s going to be slim pickings for the Lakers but the right player could help swing a possession or two in a close playoff game so they can’t just take it for granted.