It has been no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers were looking to add further firepower to their ranks. Especially as the second half of the season is in full flow and eyes are being diverted towards the postseason.
Even with the addition of forward Markieff Morris, at the expense of DeMarcus Cousins, whispers around the association suggested that the Lakers weren’t stopping there. Then on March 1, the purple and gold announced that they had waived guard Troy Daniels. Opening up a free roster spot.
It never really worked out for Daniels in Los Angeles. Acquired as a 3-point specialist, he saw restricted opportunities on a deep Lakers roster. With many names on the roster sheet ahead of him. In 41 games this season, Troy Daniels averaged just 11.1 minutes. With averages of 6.6 points and 1.3 rebounds.
Now the Lakers have an open roster spot, speculation is running wild as to who may fill the vacancy. Here are some names that are being currently touted to join LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Co.
Dion Waiters
One of the first names that comes to mind is free-agent guard, Dion Waiters. The 28-year-old was included in the Andre Iguodala trade from the Miami Heat to the Memphis Grizzlies. A short time after, he was waived by the latter.
The Lakers brought Waiters in for a workout on March 2. Shams Charania of The Athletic has stated that he told Rob Pelinka, Frank Vogel, and Kurt Rambis, in a meeting, that he would accept any role given. Charania also reported that Waiters owned up to his past mistakes in Miami.
Waiters, if tuned in mentally, would be a welcomed addition to the purple and gold. If he hits forms he can be a lights-out scorer. Off the dribble, but as a spot-up shooter too. He can convert individually within the second unit and can finish broken plays.
JR Smith
JR Smith appears to be a front-runner for the vacancy also. Like Dion Waiters, Smith was brought in by the Lakers on March 2 for a work-out and a meeting with the front-office.
Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times reported that Smith’s “familiarity with LeBron James and his shooting ability are seen as pluses”. Shams Charania of The Athletic has stated that Smith was presented with the same question that Waiters was by the Lakers brass, surrounding accepting the role given. The 34-year-old apparently did accept and made clear his commitment to suiting the needs of the team.
JR Smith is a 6-foot-6 wing, with a big frame, that would slot into the roster well. He can heat up at any moment and has experienced success with LeBron James previously, in Cleveland. However, he hasn’t been active in the NBA since November 2018. So he might be a bit rusty.
Allen Crabbe
Like the previous two options, Allen Crabbe is a guard that can heat-up, fast. But the issue is that the 27-year-old Los Angeles native has been on a downwards spiral for a number of years now.
Bought-out by the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 29, Crabbe started the season with the Atlanta Hawks. He is well-known for making a name for himself whilst at the Portland Trail Blazers between 2013-17. In the 2016-17 season, he shot a remarkable 44% from beyond the arc, in 79 contests.
Crabbe spent time in Brooklyn too for two seasons, with the Nets. It was there, in his first season, where he posted career-highs in points per game (13.2). As well as rebounds (4.3) and assists (1.6). But ever since he has been falling downhill, mainly due to his expensive contract being a burden.
Lance Stephenson
Ex-Laker, Lance Stephenson, has been spending time in China this season. After signing a $4 million deal with the Liaoning Flying Leopards this past summer. However, with the coronavirus, he finds himself back in the United States at present time. He flew back to Indianapolis in late January.
It’s no secret that Stephenson has been looking for an NBA return. His agent, Reggie Brown, recently told Forbes the following:
“We’re still 100 percent honoring our commitment to China until further notice but if an NBA team presents a legitimate opportunity we will cross that bridge as soon as possible”
In China, Stephenson averaged 26.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, in the Chinese Basketball Association.
Lance Stephenson is a character for sure. He does possess the ability to get hot offensively and lock in defensively. He would probably be a good addition to the Lakers. But a few, more talented, names appear to be ahead of him at the moment.
Jamal Crawford
A name that doesn’t appear to be disappearing is Jamal Crawford. Now 39-years-old, he has not featured for a team all season but has made his intentions clear that he would welcome an NBA return.
Remarkably in his last NBA game, Crawford dropped 51 points. He was playing for the Phoenix Suns and the game was the season finale last time out. At 39-years-old and 20 days, at the time, he was the oldest player in league history to score 50+ points. As well as being the player to score the most points off the bench ever.
He is talented offensively, not one doubts that. But defensively he would be a worry. Especially as the Lakers pride themselves so heavily on that side of the ball. Boasting a top-3 defensive rating (105.7).
