Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: A meeting has reportedly been set up with free agent shooting guard, Dion Waiters.
Los Angeles Lakers rumors have been relatively quiet thus far in free agency. The Lakers have some money to spend, but they are electing to wait to fry some bigger fish in free agency in 2018. While the Lakers have their eyes set on the future, they will need to make some moves this year.
The biggest needs for the Lakers are in their backcourt. They used the second overall pick on UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball, but they could still use a backup point guard. There have been rumors about the Lakers being interested in bringing Tyler Ennis back. There have also been reports about mutual interest between the Lakers and free agent, Rajon Rondo.
Rondo is not the only veteran that the Lakers have shown interest in for their backcourt. According to Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders, the Lakers have a meeting set up tonight with free agent, Dion Waiters.
Los Angeles Lakers have a meeting with free agent guard Dion Waiters tonight, a league source told Basketball Insiders.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 3, 2017
Waiters had a very strong 2016-17 season with the Miami Heat. He averaged 15.8 points, 4.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game. Unfortunately for Miami, Waiters appeared in only 43 games, otherwise they probably would have been able to sneak into the postseason.
More from Lakers Rumors
- 3 teams that will trade for Buddy Hield before the Lakers have a chance
- NBA rumors: How the Lakers can trade for Buddy Hield
- NBA rumors: Warriors work out multiple players from Lakers’ scrap heap
- NBA Rumors: Lakers looking to potentially pull off blockbuster trade
- Hideous Lakers jerseys for 2023-24 season have potentially been leaked
Waiters shot very well from the field last season, as he made 39.5 percent from the three-point line. Had he kept up his efficiency from two-point range, he would have set career highs across the board offensively.
Waiters would fill a hole for the Lakers in their backcourt. He could start at shooting guard or be their sixth man, where is probably best suited for given his ability to score. Waiters isn’t the greatest defender, but he has improved on that end of the court as his career has gone on.
The Lakers interest in Waiters should not be too big of a surprise. They have a hole at shooting guard, but he is also a former Rob Pelinka client. The new Lakers general manager was a super agent before landing in Los Angeles’ front office. Waiters is one of the many clients he had, and he is the second former client the Lakers have brought in; Andre Iguodala was the first.
It will be an interesting situation to keep an eye on. Waiters could wait until Gordon Hayward signs before talking money with teams. If Hayward signs with the Heat, Waiters contract offer from Miami could shrink. If Hayward signs elsewhere, the Heat will more than likely want to retain Waiters after his strong season.
Next: 6 Options For Lakers At Shooting Guard
The Lakers should be cautious with their approach with Waiters. He is more than likely looking to land a multi-year deal, something the Lakers have been trying to avoid so that they can keep their books clean in the future. If Waiters is willing to take a 1+1 deal, the Lakers could be a viable option. If he wants a multi-year deal, he will probably have to look elsewhere.