Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: If Jamal Crawford secures a buyout after the proposed three-team deal, he wants to play with the Lakers.
There have been some Los Angeles Lakers rumors during free agency, but nothing has come to fruition. The Lakers have talked to a few free agents, but are hesitant to really jump into free agency with their eyes on the future.
The Lakers biggest need heading into free agency was in the backcourt. Almost everyone they have talked to would fill one of two holes. They can either shoot three-pointers or play defense.
With Lonzo Ball locked in as the face of the franchise and starting point guard, finding a backup has been near the top of the Lakers to-do list. The Lakers have talked to multiple point guards, such as George Hill and Rajon Rondo.
The Lakers missed out on Hill. He signed a long-term deal with the Sacramento Kings, as the Lakers were only offering a one-year deal. Rondo is still available and is someone the Lakers could fully turn their attention to.
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
At shooting guard, the Lakers talked to two of Rob Pelinka’s former clients from when he was an agent. They talked to Andre Iguodala early and Dion Waiters most recently. Iguodala agreed to return to the Golden State Warriors while Waiters is still on the market.
While the Lakers have talked to a few players, there hasn’t been much talk about players wanting to play for the Lakers. Paul George has stated his intentions to play with the team but is with the Oklahoma City Thunder for now. The Lakers will have to wait until next year’s free agency to land George.
There now seems to be another player that wants to land with Los Angeles. According to Marc J. Spears of ESPN’s The Undefeated, Jamal Crawford also has his eyes on the Lakers.
Crawford could be heading to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team, double sign-and-trade deal also involving the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers. Danilo Gallinari would be heading to the Clippers, while Paul Millsap would be heading to Denver. Along with Crawford, a first round pick and Diamond Stone are supposed to go to Atlanta.
If that happens, Spears reports that Crawford would try to get a buyout. If he is successful in securing a buyout, the Lakers are where Crawford would like to be according to Spears.
Spears notes that Crawford’s family is based in Los Angeles and he has already developed a relationship with Ball. The feeling is mutual according to Spears, as the Lakers would have a strong interest in signing Crawford.
Crawford would fit the bill of a veteran mentor in the backcourt. He could either start alongside Ball or come off the bench to fill the void left by Lou Williams with Jordan Clarkson starting. Crawford would be a solid fit for the Lakers, as it wouldn’t take a big contract to bring him in since he will be getting paid from the buyout.
Next: 6 Options For Lakers At Shooting Guard
If Crawford gets his wish and is bought out, the Lakers will be a great landing spot. His veteran presence would be welcomed, as well as his ability to fill it up as either the sixth man or as the starting shooting guard.