Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mike D’Antoni says he doesn’t see adding a new player to the Lakers’ roster as a good thing given the dire circumstances facing the team as they pray try for the 8th and final playoff spot in the West. That said there is an open roster spot, the Lakers do own a disabled player exception courtesy of Jordan Hill and there are plenty of names being floated around that could help bolster the thin frontline.
One name that has popped up in the NBA rumor mill is San Antonio Spurs forward DeJuan Blair.
After being a valued contributor off the Spurs bench since he arrived as a second round pick out of Pitt almost four years ago Blair has seen his role significantly reduced this season. That has led many to speculate the Spurs could be looking to move Blair and the Lakers certainly could use a scrappy and skilled player of his talents.
As Eric Pincus of the L.A. Times points out that Blair fits nicely into the disabled exception at Mitch Kupchak’s disposal.
However D’Anonti’s doubts on adding a new ingredient to this yet-to-settle mix centers around the necessity for said new player to learn the system on the fly while helping contribute to the playoff push.
There is nothing yet that confirms the Lakers interest in Blair but there is no reason why he shouldn’t get consideration. At this point nothing can be ruled out and everything short of reacquiring Andrew Bynum must be considered.