Lakers Rumors: Andrei Kirilenko A Possible Addition

On Tuesday afternoon, the Lakers were awarded a disabled player exception for Steve Nash valued at $4.85 million. This exception can be used to claim players off waivers, sign a free agent, or in a trade.

"The Lakers gain a spending tool that can be used to add one player via free agency or a waiver claim, whom they can pay no more than $4.85 million.  Or they can use it instead to trade for one player making up to $4.95 million."

While the rest of the details can be found in the piece, an idea of players the Lakers could pursue will be the next headline. While it would likely be a swift decision, one name the Lakers may consider is current Brooklyn Net Andrei Kirilenko.

Kirilenko was injured to start the year, but has not been used since regaining full health and has fallen out of favor for Lionel Hollins’ team. While numerous trades have been discussed, it’s hard to imagine anyone taking on Kirilenko considering his production level this season.

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If the Nets do waive Kirilenko, the Lakers could make a claim on him using the disabled player exception. He would likely offer an upgrade over Wesley Johnson and certainly couldn’t do worse than the incumbent. Even if he’s not claimed, he could also be brought in as a free agent either at the veteran minimum or using either the Julius Randle disabled player exception or this one, depending on his contract size and the Lakers’ interest level.

Kirilenko struggled through large portions of last season with back spasms, resulting in a subpar season. Despite a coaching change this season, Kirilenko hasn’t been able to get a secure footing on the team. However, just two seasons ago, the Russian averaged 12.4 points and 5.7 rebounds a game.

The Lakers interest level would be indicative of their willingness to win, as well. Bringing in Kirilenko as opposed to someone like Quincy Miller would be a signal to win now as opposed to rebuilding for the future. This has been the Lakers public sentiment during the last two seasons, evidenced by claiming Carlos Boozer off the amnesty waivers.

Do you think the Lakers should bring in Andrei Kirilenko? Let us know in the comments below