Lakers: 3 free agents Los Angeles should sign in 2021 offseason
By Scott Rogust
2. Derrick Rose
The Lakers did need some guard depth this offseason, as evidenced by whom they were targeting at the NBA trade deadline (we’ll get to that later). Los Angeles can stand to add some veteran experience at the guard position this offseason, and perhaps one of the best options is Derrick Rose.
The 2011 NBA MVP is coming off a tremendous showing after he was traded from the Detroit Pistons to the New York Knicks. Reuniting with his former Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau did wonders for Rose, who emerged as legitimate Sixth Man of the Year threat off the bench. Once the Knicks made it to the playoffs, Rose was their best scorer while the rest of his teammates struggled.
In New York’s five playoff games against the Atlanta Hawks, Rose averaged 19.4 points, 5.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 47.1 percent from 3-point range.
The Lakers could stand to add a solid presence off the bench, especially in the playoffs. The Knicks were done-in after placing Rose in the starting lineup, as their backup depth was rather weak. While Rose has stated he would like to return to the Knicks, he does not know if he is in their plans. If that turns out to be the case, and the Lakers can shed enough cap space to give him a competitive deal, they should definitely be calling to ask if he wants to join an NBA title contender.