– Lack of remaining options
With Collison’s decision to stay retired, the Lakers will now likely be turning their attention to other guards. Just after the trade deadline, it was also reported that they plan on holding a workout with J.R. Smith.
Smith is a former 6th Man of the Year, and teammate of LeBron James. It wasn’t too long ago that Smith was playing a big role on the Cavaliers with James. However, the last few years, Smith looks like his career is coming to an end.
While Smith hasn’t played anywhere this season, he hasn’t averaged more than 10 points per game in the last three seasons that he has played. It can’t hurt to look at Smith as an option to see what he has left, but he certainly isn’t a home run option on paper right now.
In addition to Smith, the Lakers are also going to explore the possibility of Dion Waiters. Waiters is an interesting option, as although he barely played with the Miami Heat this season, he has been good when he has played the two previous years. However, there are certainly some risks and red flags with Waiters, so once again, not as good of an option as Collison would have been.
Overall, Collison would have been a great signing for the Lakers. Unfortunately, they will have to try and find other options with him staying retired.