The Los Angeles Lakers added some talented veterans to the roster this summer with the additions of Lou Williams, Brandon Bass, and Roy Hibbert. Even though it appears the team is done making moves, Los Angeles may be looking to add another guard to the backcourt.
According to Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times, general manager Mitch Kupchak is open to the idea of adding another point guard:
Mitch Kupchak open to bringing in a point guard but limited roster space – said team could also use another true 5
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 22, 2015
Rumors had been circulating about the Lakers showing considerable interest in trading for veteran floor general Ty Lawson. Ultimately, the Denver Nuggets chose to make a deal with the Houston Rockets despite a hard push from Los Angeles to get a deal done.
Lawson may now be off the board after heading to Houston in a trade, but it isn’t beyond the realm of possibility that the Lakers brass is still looking into trades for a point guard.
Currently, the backcourt consists of D’Angelo Russell, Lou Williams, Jordan Clarkson, Jabari Brown, Nick Young and Kobe Bryant. Young and Bryant may play exclusively at the small forward position along with rookie Anthony Brown. Kupchak acknowledged this as part of the reasoning to add another veteran guard, via Pincus:
Kupchak said if you consider Kobe and Young as the team’s forwards – they have just 3 young guards + Lou, thus potential need for vet 1
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 22, 2015
Notable veteran point guards still available include Pablo Prigioni, Jimmer Fredette, Luke Ridnour, Andre Miller, Norris Cole, and Matthew Dellavedova. Potential free-agent options at center are Ryan Hollins, Jeff Withey, and Justin Hamilton.