Dion Waiters has been linked with a move to the Los Angeles Lakers ever since his buyout from the Memphis Grizzlies in early February. Waiters was originally a member of the Miami Heat but was included in the Andre Iguodala trade. Consequently, sending him to Memphis, where he was waived.
What would Dion Waiters bring to the Lakers?
Waiters comes with his risks, there’s no doubt about it. Mainly due to his off-the-court antics. However, he could very much play a part on the championship-contending Lakers. Hosting the ability to be a ball-handler and a scorer, the 28-year-old would be a welcomed addition to the Lakers ranks should he hit some form. His ability to create his own shot and convert broken plays would be desirable for the purple and gold too.
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports, the Lakers were exploring the full market before making a decision on Waiters. With March 1 being the deadline for players to be waived to be playoff eligible for another team. Haynes has also reported that the Lakers and Waiters have a second meeting set for March 2. Fitting in with the above timeframe.
Could eyes be diverted towards Harkless?
One player that the purple and gold could divert their attention towards is the New York Knicks’ Moe Harkless. Should he receive a buyout. It appears that Harkless is already frustrated with his hometown Knicks, following a trade from contenders, the Los Angeles Clippers. This appears to be evidenced on the video below after he experienced his fifth defeat in a row as a member of the team.
The Lakers didn’t fully resolve their wing issues with the recent addition of forward Markieff Morris. Although, they did add some flexibility that allows Kyle Kuzma to slide to the Small Forward position. Harkless joining the roster would all but alleviate their wing problems, adding significant depth in the wide position.
The 26-year-old doesn’t necessarily heat up offensively on a regular basis. Averaging just 5.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1 assist, through 55 games this season. He would be purely a defensive acquisition, capable of disrupting the stars of the NBA come the postseason. Harkless wouldn’t drastically change the dynamic of the Lakers roster, but would add further depth and versatility.
The situation moving forward
At present time, it seems that Dion Waiters may be the direction in which the Lakers are headed. Especially with him having a history with Lakers General Manager, Rob Pelinka. With Pelinka representing Waiters during his time at The Landmark Sports Agency. But Moe Harkless being bought-out in New York may cause the purple and gold to divert their attention elsewhere.
All will be revealed soon.
Update: Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN has reported that Moe Harkless will be finishing the season with the New York Knicks, despite interest from contenders.
