Los Angeles Lakers: Monta Ellis is an interesting option

As the Los Angeles Lakers look to round out the roster, Monta Ellis is an interesting option.

With free agency rolling on, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to fill out their roster. Monta Ellis was one of the most gifted scorers for about a decade after entering the league in 2005. Ellis found success in the league despite being drafted in the second round (40th), coming out of high school.

In his rookie season, he averaged 6.8 points in 18 minutes. By year two, he became a big contributor in Golden State, averaging 16.5 points and 4.1 assists. Just to give you an idea of how great of a scorer Ellis was. He averaged at least 19 points in eight different seasons of his career.

After not being in the league for the last two seasons, Ellis is looking to make a comeback at 33-years of age. According to sources, he is looking to return to a contender.

In his most recent season in 2016-17 with Indiana, he averaged 8.5 points and 3.2 assists. It was Ellis’ lowest scoring average since his rookie season. A big reason is that he only took 7.5 shots per contest.

One thing is clear, Ellis won’t be the player he once was. The Lakers don’t need him to be dynamic. At this stage, as cliche as it may sound, they just need bodies.

Despite not being in the league the last two years, Ellis should be a solid backup. He isn’t a guy who you’re hoping can get something done. He has experience and has succeeded in the league for a long time. He has even done it in the playoffs. He averaged 22.8 points in the playoffs in two seasons with the Mavericks (2014-15).

There are few areas that Ellis can improve in. Ellis isn’t a terrific defender by any stretch, as his size (185 lb), makes it difficult for him to defend some bigger guards. But the one thing he is great at is forcing turnovers. In his career, he averages 1.7 steals. He has always had a nose for reading the opponent and getting in passing lanes.

Ellis will also not bring much in the outside shooting department. He shot it at 32 percent from three-point range in his final year with Indiana, right at about his career mark. As a team, the Lakers were second last in three-point shooting at 33 percent. Despite not being a significant threat from deep, he does have a mid-range game.

At the end of the day, the Lakers are short on guards. They have no point guard on their official roster at this stage. Ellis can play both guard spots, and can bring some instant offense off the bench.

Another thing to consider is that Monta Ellis will likely sign on a veteran’s minimum contract. This is convenient for the Lakers as they have $32 million in cap space.

If he looks good in the workouts, they should look into signing him. He will come a cheap price. A confident scorer like Ellis is worth considering for his price tag.