Apr 2, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward
Al-Farouq Aminu(0) with the ball against Denver Nuggets forward
Quincy Miller(30) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
3. Al Farouq-Aminu
Aminu is not a household name by any stretch of the imagination. However, Aminu fits the needs of the Lakers in that he is an above average defender and a great rebounder. His shortcomings come on the offensive end where, to put in bluntly, he’s putrid.
While he averaged over seven points a game last season, he shot 27% from three and 66% from the free throw line. In his defense, he doesn’t often venture to the three-point line, but it’s not a pretty sight for him offensively. Put it this way Lakers fans: if you thought Metta World Peace was bad at threes, then you should probably turn the TV if Aminu comes on the floor.
All that being said, what makes Aminu a hot commodity (using that term loosely as evidenced by him being a free agent this late) is his defensive ability. At 6’9, Aminu has the length to handle bigger small forwards and is also an above average rebounder. Last season, he grabbed 6.2 rebounds per game in just 25 minutes of action per night. The year before saw him grab 7.7 rebounds in 27 minutes a night.
With the Lakers fielding a backcourt of Lin and Bryant, someone will need to take the defensive responsibility for the Lakers, and that’s what makes Aminu attractive.