Arron Afflalo
As reported by Shams Charania of The Vertical a few days ago, Arron Afflalo was released by the Sacramento Kings.
The Sacramento Kings are releasing guard Arron Afflalo, league sources say. Afflalo had contract guarantee trigger today.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2017
It is some good news for the Lakers, as Afflalo corresponds exactly to the kind of player they are looking for. A veteran guard known around the league for his defensive prowess and with a good 3-point shot.
In his ten-year career, Afflalo has shot at least 40 percent from the three-point line five times, including last season, and two more seasons at least 38 percent.
The Los Angeles native and UCLA alumni would represent a huge commodity for Walton as a starting shooting guard and on-ball defensive presence. His veteran leadership and experience are exactly what is needed next season to help the young core’s growth.
Doubts are given by the fact that Afflalo would not necessarily be OK with accepting a 1+1 contract as he is already coming from a two-year deal with the Kings, and will probably look for more stability with a long-term contract at 31 years old.
Afflalo has been on five different teams the past four seasons, so finding a stable team to play with could be a goal for him in free agency.