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

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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2. Wesley Matthews

Wesley Matthews has been linked to the Lakers this offseason. Even before he declined his player option with the Milwaukee Bucks. With Danny Green being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, those rumors started to heat up.

Matthews is a player who is a crafty veteran just like Bradley. Although he doesn’t have the accolades on that end in his career, he’s proven to be good on that end. He’s played for some good teams and guarded some of the better players.

With his career earnings over $105 million now he could be looking at the best situation for him. As players’ careers start to wind down, they will take less money to win a ring or a better family situation. The Lakers can offer both to him.

It could take more than the veteran minimum. But the two-year bi-annual exception over $7.2 million could do it. Or if the Lakers want to keep flexibility for 2021, they could offer one year at $3.6 million.

Matthews would be a good acquisition next to their new addition of Dennis Schröder. Matthews has played on playoff teams and knows what it takes to win. He could slide in fill minutes on the wing for them.

He is not as good of a defender as Melton, but he is far better on offense. His defensive win shares were 2.4 and his DBPM was 0.7 last year. Both of those were career highs showing he still has some game left in the tank.

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