Los Angeles Lakers free-agent target: Goran Dragic
The Los Angeles Lakers desperately need a secondary playmaker, could Goran Dragic be the answer?
Other players could have been chosen who would be a longer-term solution to the Lakers point guard problem. Players such as Jeff Teague, DJ Augustin, Kris Dunn, and maybe even Jordan Clarkson but none offer the craftiness, the experience, and the ability to grab a game like Dragic.
Dragic like his former mentor Steve Nash has made a career out of doing the right things. Dragic makes the right pass, takes the right shot, and never does so at the expense of his other teammates.
During his time with the Miami Heat, Dragic was able to make an All-Star team during the 2017-18 season.
Over the last year or so, Dragic has seen his role with the Miami Heat change. With Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro the future at the guard spots for the Miami Heat, Dragic has been pushed into a bench role.
Initially, Dragic struggled in this role, having spent the last number of years as the starting point guard, however, Dragic was able to adjust over time and become effective for the Heat off the bench.
This makes Dragic an ideal choice for the Los Angeles Lakers.
While Dragic very easily could and more than likely would start for the purple and gold should they acquire him, but having the knowledge knowing that if required he can and will play off the bench and still produce at a great level for the team is a match made in heaven.
When you have LeBron James on the floor, you have the play-maker for the team, when LeBron is off the floor the Lakers struggle mightily to create.
With Dragic, this no longer is a problem.
You get a player comfortable with playing the lead or secondary play-maker, you get a player who is willing and able to play whatever role you wish and you also get a scorer who can carry the load when some of his other teammates are not performing at their best.
Dragic is the perfect piece for this Lakers team and would bring a new dimension to the purple and gold that would make them incredibly hard to beat.
With limited cap space, the Lakers will have to use their money effectively.
Any three of these options would benefit the Lakers greatly.
Whiteside might offer the longer-term upside but with depth at the center position, it might negate the need for him. If the Lakers can move on from JaVale McGee or decide that Cousins isn’t coming back then they absolutely should pursue a move for either Whiteside or Marc Gasol, but short term (which is what the Lakers are currently focusing on) Goran Dragic is clearly the choice.
A secondary play-maker who can score, shoot 3’s and can start or come off the bench is the perfect mix for a team that is on the hunt for another championship.