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Lakers: 3 defensive guards to sign with Avery Bradley opting out

By Justin Hickey

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 01: Avery Bradley #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on March 01, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 01: Avery Bradley #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on March 01, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

With Avery Bradley opting out, the Los Angeles Lakers will need to find a defensive guard.

Avery Bradley has officially opted out of his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. He had the decision to opt in for about $5.3 million for this upcoming season or test the free-agent market. It was reported when he switched agents that he was mulling his options.

Bradley skipped the bubble play for the Lakers. It didn’t affect them winning a championship, but their defense wasn’t the same. LeBron James was forced to guard Jamal Murray often which Bradley would’ve done.

Danny Green and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope weren’t the best matchups in that situation. Bradley is a crafty guard and he is very good laterally and moving around screens. Although he’s lost a step the last few years, he can still impact a team.

He played very well leading up until the NBA shut down in March. He looked to be getting his legs back under him after coming back from injury. The Lakers were clicking and he was a good fit for them.

It is possible that he could come back on another deal if the market stalls out. But as of right now the Lakers have to operate as if they need to replace that spot. If the right option comes up, they shouldn’t wait, as this offseason is about to go very fast.

We already saw on draft night how crazy trades are going to be. That is just the start of the madness that is coming in free agency.

Bradley will have multiple suitors and the Lakers should value Kenatvious Caldwell-Pope more. If they have that decision to make.

So we take a look at three defensive options in free agency the Lakers should take a look at. While maintaining future flexibility for the team.

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