According to reports Jason Kapono was seen at the Lakers’ facility in El Segundo today. The former UCLA Bruin and Long Beach native is said to be drawing interest from the Knicks as well. Apparently Kapono has no desire to re-sign with his last employer, the Philadelphia 76ers.
It was in Philly where Kapono became acquainted with current Lakers’ assistant Quin Snyder. However I’m pretty sure he popped up on the Lakers’ radar some years ago when he broke all of the O’Bannon brothers’ scoring marks at Artesia High.
The sharpshooter would give the Lake Show a much needed threat from the perimeter. Kapono once led the NBA in three-point field goal percentage in consecutive seasons. Oh…he also won two straight three-point contests at All-Star weekend too. So if you didn’t already know dude can shoot.
Without much of a budget to work with the Lakers could likely only offer Kapono the veteran’s minimum. That would be a cool $1-million for his troubles.
To be sure Kapono’s talents really only assist the Lakers in one area. He’s far from a good defender, doesn’t distribute the rock and despite his 6’8” frame is primarily found on the perimeter. Still, the Lakers can’t rely on praying for Metta World Peace to hit open shots or that Steve Blake will magically rediscover his stroke.