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Los Angeles Lakers: What Derrick Rose can bring to team

By Anthony Santillo

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 20: Derrick Rose #25 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the LA Clippers on March 20, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 20: Derrick Rose #25 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the LA Clippers on March 20, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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What would Derrick Rose bring to the Los Angeles Lakers if they signed him as a free agent?

Ramona Shelbourne and Chris Haynes of ESPN reported that the Los Angeles Lakers plan to meet with Derrick Rose Thursday to discuss a possible deal. Rose is coming off a torn meniscus he suffered last season with the New York Knicks, which cost him the end of the season.

Rose played in 64 games last year averaging 18.0 points, 4.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds for the Knicks. The former MVP hasn’t been discussed much in free agency this season due to the amount of talent available and his injury history. However, he could be a nice fit for the Lakers.

I know at first glance you are probably thinking, “why would we want old and injured Derrick Rose on this young and eager team?” Not a bad question to ask. Here’s why.

Rose has openly said he doesn’t care about the money anymore, he just wants to play ball. There’s reason number one right there. If we can get the youngest MVP in NBA history for dirt cheap and only one year, that’s a huge win for the Lakers.

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Let’s not forget Rose can still score the ball. He shot 47.7 percent from the field last season on the Knicks, who had no identity and a collapsing front office. Rose is also a veteran who has seen a lot in his career.

He’s been to the Conference Finals, won Rookie of the Year, won MVP and knows how to play the game. Having another former All-Star to complement Brook Lopez and help mold the younger players into future All-Stars is never a bad thing to have, especially if Rose isn’t concerned about money. Now, obviously, don’t give him a Luol Deng type contract, but something reasonable for one season is a good idea.

Something important to think about is this is a perfect guard for Lonzo Ball to have as his mentor. Rose was never the best passer on the court, that wasn’t what he was supposed to be. Luckily, Lonzo is the best passer on the court so he doesn’t need a mentor for that, other than Magic Johnson of course.

As amazing as Ball was in the Summer League, he showed flaws that need to be addressed before the season starts. Ball struggled to take defenders off the dribble and finish at the rim. He also struggled to handle the ball when pressured. These are all things Rose excels at, when healthy.

Ball has the speed and athleticism to do what Rose does. Imagine Ball’s game with the constant threat of him crossing over a defender and finishing over a big man like this play by Rose.

If you watch Ball and Rose play, they are very similar in their craft. They both dribble with this loose and relaxed style and then hit their defenders with a burst of speed and quickness. The only difference is Rose looks to score right away and Lonzo looks to pass. Combine both of those into one player and look out. Ball also has elite height for a point guard that will only help.

Another similarity they have is that Rose was never known for his jump shot. Ball is known for his jump shot, not for its accuracy and effectiveness, but the way it looks. Rose never became a very reliable shooter, even when he was MVP. Ball has time to work on his shot and make it more consistent so defenders have to respect him there. If he adds that to his game, along with the help from Rose on driving and scoring, Ball could become a player for the ages.

Look at this first play by Rose last season, and then look at this play in the Summer League by Lonzo and watch how similar they are when they attack the rim and the control they have on the ball.

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Rose would be a great addition to this Lakers team for experience, cost, effectiveness and I think he can be a great mentor for Ball. Rose is also known for being very humble and not letting the game or money get to his head. Something Ball will need to continue to do if his future is as bright as we think it is. Stay tuned for what happens. The future is coming fast and it is bright.

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