The start of the NBA postseason is just around the corner and given their recent glut of injuries, JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers are searching for answers when it comes to filling out their rotation.
The Lakers were one of the hottest teams in the league just a week ago and were looking like they could make a legitimate run in the Western Conference playoffs. Unfortunately though, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both went down with injuries that are expected to keep them out for at least the start of the postseason.
Both are doing everything they can to return as quickly as possible, and the same can be said for Marcus Smart, but in the meantime, the Lakers have to find enough ball-handling and scoring to get by.
One player they thought could help in that department was Kobe Bufkin, who they signed to a standard NBA deal after the trade deadline. He didn’t do much with the opportunities he got though, so the team announced they are waiving him to open up a roster spot before the postseason.
Now that they have a spot available, the Lakers will likely look both internally and externally for fill it before the start of the playoffs. It is worth noting that players who were waived by other organizations after March 1 would not be eligible for the postseason. Cam Thomas is one example of that as he was let go by the Milwaukee Bucks just a couple of weeks ago.
There are plenty of other quality options available though, and here are some that would make sense.
Postseason-eligible options for Lakers
Chris Paul
Chris Paul would definitely be the most polarizing of all the options as the 12-time All-Star was sent home from the L.A. Clippers earlier in the season, which he announced would be his last in the NBA.
Paul has been linked to the Lakers for over a decade, so it would be interesting to see him finish his career with one final playoff run in purple and gold alongside his good friend LeBron James.
It’s hard to guess what the 40-year-old still has left in the tank and what kind of shape he is currently in since he basically hasn’t played all season. But if the Lakers are looking for a ball-handler with postseason experience, they won’t find someone else more qualified than Paul.
Lonzo Ball
Another potentially polarizing option would be Lonzo Ball, the former No. 2 overall pick by the Lakers who was traded at the deadline from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Utah Jaxx and the subsequently waived.
Ball played in 35 games with the Cavaliers this season, averaging 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 20.8 minutes. Staying healthy has been an issue for the 28-year-old, but his defense and playmaking would certainly help while the Lakers wait for Doncic and Reaves to return.
Cole Anthony
Cole Anthony is still just 25 years of age and has been a quality backup point guard in recent years who can score and playmake. He appeared in 35 games this season with the Milwaukee Bucks before being traded to the Phoenix Suns and waived, averaging 6.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 15.1 minutes.
Spencer Dinwiddie
Rob Pelinka has successfully chased Spencer Dinwiddie on the buyout market once before, so a second stint with his hometown team could make some sense.
The 33-year-old would give the Lakers some size at the guard position but has not played since January after getting let go by FC Bayern Munich to return to the states.
Drew Timme
Two-way players are not eligible for the postseason, so the Lakers would need to upgrade Drew Timme’s contract if they want him available.
His development has been one of the pleasant surprises of the season as he was recently named to the All-NBA G League Second Team. Timme has earned the trust of Redick and the Lakers’ coaching staff throughout the year and he recently got his first start in their loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In 25 games for the Lakers, Timme has averaged 3.5 points and 1.3 rebounds in 8.9 minutes. While he isn’t a guard, his scoring prowess inside is something L.A. could potentially use.
Nick Smith Jr.
Similar to Timme, the Lakers would need to upgrade Nick Smith Jr.’s two-way contract for him to be able to play in the playoffs.
Smith has the ability to get hot from deep at any time, as he has shown throughout the season, averaging 6.0 points and 1.1 assists while shooting 41.6% from deep in 12.3 minutes per game across 28 contests for the Lakers.
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