Lakers Rumors: Team Considering Amar’e Stoudemire
By Alex Torres
The Lakers will eventually sign a player, right? I am not exactly sure if I feel confident answering that question. The Lakers keep showing interest in different free agents, but none of them have chosen to come to Los Angeles.
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Now, the free agent pool is not as appealing as it was a few days ago and the Lakers are running out of time. However, the Lakers are reportedly still looking to improve the roster, but they need to act fast.
The latest reports indicate that the Lakers are looking to add a big man. According to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News, the Lakers are interested in Amar’e Stoudemire and Jason Smith:
I'm told Lakers have expressed interest in Amare Stoudemire & Jason Smith
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) July 2, 2015
If this was 10 years ago, I would be very excited, but that’s not the case. Jason Smith is a serviceable big man, so that wouldn’t be a terrible move. Stoudemire on the other hand is old and he does not help the Lakers defensively.
Smith averaged eight points and four rebounds per game with the New York Knicks last season. Those numbers don’t blow you away, but the Lakers need some big bodies and he wouldn’t be a bad addition at the right price.
It’s clear the Lakers will not risk this rebuild by throwing money at anyone. Kupchak must feel comfortable with the group in place and will rather take this cap space and save it for next year.