Looking ahead to the free agency class of 2015, there were a number of talented point guards who could be available. With the Lakers having no point guard under contract after this season, they are sure to be checking the market for a possible upgrade at the position.
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Last month saw one of those possiblities, Eric Bledsoe, agree to an extension with the Phoenix Suns. Now another talented young point guard will not make it to free agency as Kemba Walker has agreed to a contract extension with the Charlotte Hornets according to ESPN’s Marc Stein:
ESPN sources say the Charlotte Hornets and Kemba Walker have agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) October 28, 2014
The deal seems relatively fair for both sides. Walker is one of the leaders of the up and coming Hornets, however he has not established himself as one of the premier point guards in the league. Comparing his deal to the $70 million contract that Bledsoe received, and it’s fair to say the Hornets may have gotten Walker rather cheaply when compared to what he could’ve received on the open market.
For the Lakers, this checks another name off the list of potential future point guards for the team. With Goran Dragic basically a lock to remain in Phoenix, the best remaining are now Rajon Rondo, Ricky Rubio, and Reggie Jackson.
Free agency is still far away and the Lakers have some potential impact players at the position this season in Jeremy Lin and Jordan Clarkson. But the potential pickings on the free agent market just got slightly slimmer.
[divide]Kobe Bryant Before Lakers Opening Night Vs. Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets