Los Angeles Lakers: Why Khris Middleton is an intriguing option

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 21: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 21: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for free agency, one option that is intriguing for them is Khris Middleton.

The Los Angeles Lakers have a busy summer ahead. With the cap space to land some big names and a draft around the corner there’s a lot of work to be done. One interesting option for the Lakers is Bucks star Khris Middleton.

Middleton had one of his best seasons of his career and helped the Bucks win a league best 60 games. He was a reliable second option to superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who may win the MVP Award. Middleton was named to his first All-Star game of his career. Middleton averaged 18.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.

In the playoffs, Khris Middleton had his up-and-downs like most Bucks players. The wing averaged 16.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 15 playoff games. Milwaukee’s playoff run ended against the Raptors who beat them in six games in the Conference Finals.

It was a bit of surprise that Middleton was inconsistent in the playoffs, considering that he has had tremendous success on the biggest stage. In last year’s playoffs he averaged 24.7 points on 60 percent shooting in seven games against Boston.

The Lakers will have their eyes set on some big names. Players like Kawhi Leonard, Kemba Walker, Jimmy Butler, and Kyrie Irving will be the team’s priority, but Middleton can be a nice secondary option.

Signing Middleton would help the Lakers in a variety of ways. The first being his shooting ability. Middleton is a career 39 percent three-point shooter and 87 percent free-throw shooter. These marks will provide a huge boost to a Lakers team that shot 33 percent from deep and 70 percent from the charity stripe.

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Middleton is a versatile defender who can defend three to four spots. The star wing played small forward for most of the season but in the playoffs he started at shooting guard. He is quick enough to defend guards comfortably and strong enough to defend bigger forwards.

One area that can’t go unnoticed is his playmaking. With the Lakers having lost Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart, they can surely use another playmaker besides James. Middleton has averaged at least four assists over the last two seasons. In the playoffs, Middleton had at least five assists in seven out of 15 contests.

Unlike most star level players, Middleton can play both on and off the ball. He can spot up, and he can take his man off the dribble or post up. Knowing how to play off the ball is a need when playing alongside James.

Adding Middleton will give the Lakers not only a reliable shooter, but a guy who can get his own offense. Middleton has a lot of experience and knows what it’s like to play on the big stage.

In order for the Lakers to have a chance at signing Khris Middleton he would obviously have to consider them. At this stage it’s unclear what his intentions are. Middleton has a player option for $13 million. One can bet that he will opt out to either get a larger contract with Milwaukee or somewhere else.

One thing is certain, Middleton will be getting a lot of offers. Pairing Middleton with LeBron and Anthony Davis seems like a good idea.