Many of the recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors have focused on the team’s future. LeBron James was recently talked about by NBA executives, and the Lakers were picked as the likeliest landing spot. However, the most recent Lakers rumors involve filling out their final roster spot.
Right now, the Lakers have 19 players under contract, which includes players on partially guaranteed deals. You are allowed to carry 20 players on your roster during the offseason, so the Lakers have one more spot to fill if they choose to. Lakers management may have someone in mind for the spot.
According to Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders and Bleacher Report, Shabazz Muhammad is considering following his former agent, Rob Pelinka, to the Lakers.
Pincus said the Lakers are considering their options as well on his Twitter account.
I'm told Shabazz Muhammad considering joining his former agent Rob Pelinka with Lakers, LA considering options as well
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) September 1, 2017
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Muhammad is arguably the best free agent remaining on the market. It is surprising to see him still available, but it is a situation that the Lakers could take advantage of if they believe Muhammad can help their team.
The Lakers depth is much improved this season. However, they could use some scoring help with the second unit. Right now, Jordan Clarkson is the only proven option Los Angeles has for the bench. Muhammad would be able to help in that area as scoring is his strength.
Muhammad has had some suitors this offseason. The New Orleans Pelicans have touched base with him, and his original team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, have also shown interest in bringing him back according to Pincus.
Shabazz Muhammad has been linked to Wolves, Pelicans, others. Was with Rich Paul though not sure that's still the case.
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) September 1, 2017
The only player the Lakers added in free agency this summer was shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Caldwell-Pope will slide into the starting shooting guard spot. He is someone the Lakers took advantage of the market to sign, agreeing to a one-year, $18 million balloon deal.
The Lakers do not have much cap space remaining, as that went to Caldwell-Pope. However, they do still have their mid-level exception worth $4.3 million. That could be an option for Muhammad, as it is unlikely that another team comes to the table offering more. If that was the case, he probably would have been signed already.
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This will be something to keep an eye on. The Lakers don’t particularly need Muhammad; they have a lot of depth in their front court. His ability to score the basketball could come in handy with the second unit, and he would give the Lakers another veteran player to help guide the youngsters on the roster.