Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking impending free agents by chance to re-sign

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
3 of 5
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

3. Dion Waiters

Dion Waiters has not even played a game with the Los Angeles Lakers and if the season does end before he gets a chance to suit up in the purple and gold it will hurt his chances of re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers would not get a good idea of how Waiters fits on the roster and might be inclined to look elsewhere at the free-agent market for better fits. However, there is still a chance that if Waiters at least gets to practice with the team that he can make his case to be re-signed.

If the season does resume then Waiters would have a much better chance of earning a roster spot after the season. Right now, Rajon Rondo is the team’s secondary ball-handler and playmaker behind LeBron James and while he has experience in that role, it has been frustrating to watch Rondo at times this season.

Waiters is someone who can handle the duties of being the primary ball handler when LeBron James is not on the court but he is someone who could also succeed off-ball, something that Rondo is not great at.

On paper, Waiters is a much better fit for the role as he is someone who can add to the team without LeBron on the court but can handle himself and still contribute with LeBron on the court as well.

Of course, on paper only goes so far and there would be a benefit in the season returning for Waiters.

Percent chance of re-signing: 25%