The Lakers have made a number of small moves over the last few days to fill out the remainder of their roster. But they may not be done yet.
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According to the Fort-Worth Star Telegram’s Dwain Price, the Lakers could be in the running for veteran Shawn Marion:
If Marion can't get the $5.3 mil MLE from the #Spurs or #Rockets, he may take the $2.73 mil room exception from the #Mavs, Chi, LAL or Cha.
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) July 20, 2014
Marion may be on the downside of his career, but he proved he can still be a valuable contributor last season with the Dallas Mavericks when he averaged 10 points and nearly seven rebounds.
The Lakers are still relatively thin at the small forward position. Right now the only options are the recently re-signed Wesley Johnson and Xavier Henry. Both are only on one-year contracts.
Marion is one of the best remaining free agents and would fill a need for the Lakers with his ability to defend and rebound. He is someone who can affect the game without touching the ball.
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Any contract the Lakers would give out at this point is unlikely to be for more than two years, so the team would also keep its cap flexibility for the upcoming off-season.
This move would not turn the Lakers into championship contenders, but Marion is a solid contributor, and a good veteran to have in the locker room. Young guys like Julius Randle and Ed Davis could certainly learn from the 17-year veteran.
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Lakers Waive Kendall Marshall, Sign Xavier Henry, Wesley Johnson