Will they stay or will they go?

Jordan Farmar

Farmar is an interesting prospect. He sacrificed literally millions of dollars to leave his Turkish squad and come back to the NBA, specifically to the Lakers. With his return he brings some athleticism and defensive ability that the Lakers have lacked since his departure, as well as an ability to get to the rim and finish that Steve Blake can’t do and Steve Nash is too old to do anymore.

Not only do I think Farmar will contribute this year, but I suspect he’ll take over the back-up point guard role from Blake. While Blake is a productive player, he’s a huge defensive liability and too streaky of a shooter to be relied upon. Farmar has a more consistent ability to get to the rim when his shot isn’t falling, and is an obvious upgrade on the other end of the floor.

It’s not a matter of if Farmar will be good enough to come back, in my opinion, but if the Lakers will be willing to pay him. I expect some big things from his this year, and given that he’s on a one-year contract that’s very cheap, will the Lakers want to give him a pay raise next season? I think he’ll give them a bit of a hometown discount and he’ll return next year.

VERDICT: Farmar will be a Laker in 2014-15