3 more former LeBron James teammates Lakers can sign
The Los Angeles Lakers have put together quite an old team of veterans and former LeBron James teammates. Here are three more they could add.
The Los Angeles Lakers are having an … interesting offseason. They traded for Russell Westbrook. They paired LeBron James with his longtime friend, Carmelo Anthony. And they brought in a number of established veterans (Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington, Kent Bazemore) and former LeBron teammates (Dwight Howard) to round out the roster.
With so many familiar faces back in LA, and limited cap space to work with to bolster a championship-caliber roster, why not keep the good vibes going back to the well of former LeBron James teammates?
Here’s a look at three such players who are still available in 2021 NBA free agency and could actually (maybe) help the Lakers next year.
3. J.R. Smith
I know, I know. Let it go, and all that. J.R. Smith wasn’t even in the league last year, so this is admittedly a long shot. In fact, this spot was originally supposed to be filled by George Hill, but with Hill agreeing to a deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, Smith got the nod.
It’s probably crazy, but the Lakers do need shooting, and Smith has experience playing alongside both LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. He’s a two-time NBA champion as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Lakers, he’d only be there for regular-season depth purposes, and he’d be more than available to sign for the veteran minimum.
“J.R. Swish” may be 35 years old now and a minus defensively, but he’s also a career 37.3 percent shooter from long range, and the Lakers need as much shooting and as many wings as they can get. He’s probably washed up, and there are tons of options available on the open market, but if we’re strictly talking about former LeBron teammates … you could do a lot worse.