Los Angeles Lakers: 6 options at the shooting guard position
When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball, the Lakers finally got their new face of the franchise and the leader they were looking for. Now they remain with the task to find a backcourt mate for the promising point guard.
In the days leading to the draft, Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka came up with the first big move as executives of the Los Angeles Lakers. The trade of former 2nd overall pick D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets for center Brook Lopez and the 27th pick in the draft was not well received by fans, who had high hopes for the young guard.
The move was essential to free cap space for the 2018 free agency which promises to be a pool of talent with names like Paul George, LeBron James and DeMarcus Cousins. In addition, the organization was not so sold on Russell and had more than one concern on his maturity.
On a bad note, the trade, combined with the anticipated news of Nick Young opting out of his contract to become a free agent, left the Lakers with a hole at the starting shooting guard.
More from Lakers Free Agency
- Lakers have excellent new option for final roster spot thanks to Spurs
- Lakers signing newly-available key role player just became more likely
- 3 biggest offseason successes for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023
- Lakers’ plan B for Christian Wood is obvious after latest free agency activity
- Spurs gift Lakers ideal D’Angelo Russell insurance plan for 15th roster spot
Finding a reliable 2-guard able to shoot consistently from the three-point range and play solid defense besides a veteran backup point guard, will be the primary objective for the summer.
What transpires from Johnson and Pelinka’s words and acts is that, if they are going to look at free agency to supply their need, it will not be a long term solution as they aim to preserve the ‘sacred’ cap space for next year.
They will probably target players who can help to dispute a successful season but willing to accept a 1+1 contract with a team option on the second year, which allows the Lakers to offload them from the payroll at the end of the season.
So, let’s take a look at some options Lakers’ front office is gonna have.