Los Angeles Lakers: 6 options at the shooting guard position

Tim Hardaway Jr.

As already pointed out in a post during the past season, Tim Hardaway could be another player to look at and a good fit for the Lakers.

He had a breakout season in Atlanta following a disappointing one after Budenholzer traded for him, and this says a lot about his resiliency.

At 24 years old he could become an interesting piece of the young core, but things have changed for Magic & co. since March and Hardaway will probably command a contract they can no longer afford since cap space needs to be preserved.

Anyway, he remains someone to keep an eye on for the upcoming free agency.

Andre Roberson

Fresh off his selection for the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, Roberson has confirmed himself a defensive force in the league.

For the past season, Andre had an exceptional 3.1 defensive win shares and a 2.1 defensive box plus/minus, per Basketball-Reference. He also placed himself in the top 25 in defensive real plus/minus, per Espn.com. Plus, he averaged 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.

The numbers of his defensive impact are there, but his offensive shortcomings are what most worries and limits his market value. He is not able to consistently shoot from the free-throw line, with an embarrassing 42.3 percent, let alone from three. He is the polar opposite of what Hardaway Jr. would bring to the Lakers.

Roberson has the defensive resume the Lakers would love to add to their team. With his length at 6’7″, playing him at the 2-guard would be an enormous advantage, giving the chance to match him with other teams’ point guards. However, concerns about his offensive game remain.

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Unfortunately, the Thunder are reportedly enamored with the 25-year-old. He is set to become a restricted free agent this summer and, barring some crazy offer from other teams, OKC will match every contract he signs to retain his specialist.