The upcoming NBA off-season will be an important one for the Los Angeles Lakers. The storied franchise hopes to hold onto their lottery pick while also making a splash in NBA free agency come July.
Along with attempting to upgrade the roster with a star player or two in free agency, the Lakers also have a few players on the current roster that could hit the open market.
Brandon Bass has a player option worth $3.1 million for next season and remains undecided about whether he’ll opt in to remain with the team or elect to test free agency via Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:
“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Bass told Los Angeles News Group. “I’m a special type of player and person to be around this type of group. I think I can help develop these young guys. I want them to be successful. I would love to see them grow and would love it to be here. But you never know what happens.”
Head coach Byron Scott has been a big fan of Bass for a long time. Scott coached Bass during his time with the New Orleans Hornets. Bass played two seasons under Scott in New Orleans and left an impression with the current Lakers coach singing his praises, via Medina:
“I love Brandon Bass,” said Scott, who coached him in New Orleans during his rookie season (2005-06). “I love his work ethic. I love his professionalism. I love his attitude. I love that you know when you put him in the game, you know what you’re going to get.”
As of March 22, Bass has played in 60 games for the Lakers this season. Bass is currently averaging 7.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.