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Los Angeles Lakers free agency: Alec Burks could provide a scoring punch

By Justin Hickey

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: Alec Burks #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots over Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in Game Four of the first round of the playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 23, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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. (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: Alec Burks #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots over Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in Game Four of the first round of the playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 23, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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. (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /
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Could Alec Burks be in play for the Los Angeles Lakers to upgrade the bench?

The Los Angeles Lakers will head into the offseason with some key areas to replace. We took a look at the center position already. Now we will dissect the guard position with someone who can provide some scoring.

Alec Burks had a roller coaster year last year but was able to have a very good season. He became an unrestricted free agent in 2019 and wanted a chance at a ring, so he agreed to a veterans minimum deal with Oklahoma City. The Thunder then traded Paul George and Jerami Grant and have Burks a chance to bow out.

Burks did so and ended up signing the same deal with the Golden State Warriors. Little did he know that the Warriors would completely tank the season after being ravaged by injuries. But he played really well with the team and allowed the Warriors to get assets back by trading him to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The team got back three second-round picks for him and Glenn Robinson III. Not bad for a guy they got for a veterans minimum deal. Also, one that was expendable going forward.

The 76ers would fall apart down the stretch and then get embarrassed in the playoffs. But Burks played really well. He had a shooting line of 46.1/41.6/82.9, while averaging 12.2 points in 18 regular-season games.

Although Burks struggled in the playoffs. He showed all season he could provide a team with a good scoring punch. He doesn’t need 30 minutes per game to get you 15 points a night. He can fill up the scoring line with a variety of moves.

The Lakers will have options available this offseason, such as the non-taxpayers mid-level exception and the bi-annual exception. So they could make a play for Burks. He might be willing to take a veterans minimum deal again for a chance to win.

He would come to Los Angeles and have a prominent role off of the bench. He has never been known as a great defender, but he can score and the Lakers will need that. They have plenty of options that can help offset the defense.

Playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis will help him as well. He will have more space than ever to shoot and be able to operate the floor. Something that could appeal to him.

He has starting experience and has played off the bench so he could do either for the team if needed. If the veterans minimum isn’t of interest, the team could look to do a two-year on the bi-annual exception which is a little over $7 million.

dark. Next. Pass or pursue on 10 marquee free agents

Rob Pelinka should make the call to gauge the interest.

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