Los Angeles Lakers: 5 players to consider to fill out roster
Marreese Speights
A lot of the focus this offseason has been on the backcourt. Adding depth there was atop the Lakers to-do list, and probably is still their main goal. But, the front court could use some depth, especially in the way of a veteran.
Right now, the Lakers have Brook Lopez and Ivica Zubac at center. Zubac admitted to struggling some in the Las Vegas Summer League, but they have high hopes for him. The Lakers are deep at power forward with Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr., and rookie Kyle Kuzma. Having a veteran at the end of the bench that could give spot minutes makes sense.
One player who can fill that role is Marreese Speights. Speights was close to joining the Atlanta Hawks, but the deal fell through. Back on the market, the Lakers should strongly consider bringing in the veteran big man.
Speights can give the Lakers minutes at power forward and center. He would provide some veteran insurance in case the younger players struggle. Speights would give the Lakers another floor stretching option in the front court, as he is a 34.9 percent shooter in his career.
The Lakers are going to be counting on a lot of young players this season. Adding some veterans to help guide the way makes sense. But, you want to make sure those veterans can still give you something on the court. Speights can and would give the Lakers valuable insurance and experience.
Speights has 60 games of playoff experience and has won a ring with the Warriors.