Lakers Rumors: Wesley Matthews signed to deal… What move is next?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Wesley Matthews #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Wesley Matthews #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
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Lakers Rumors
(Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images)

There’s a pretty good chance that the Lakers can afford to keep Avery Bradley. He was too good for the money!

Let’s be clear here. Avery Bradley can flat out defend on the basketball. Couple that with a decent mid-range jumper with the ability to make back cuts to the basket, Bradley is needed on this roster.

Bradley, when healthy was a valuable member of the Lakers’ roster ahead of the mid-March pause of the 2019-20 season. All fans need to see is what he did to the Clippers and Patrick Beverley before the shutdown.

Overall, Bradley averaged 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. He started 44 of the 49 games he played in and was a major force behind the Lakers’ defensive identity.

However, the Lakers played better than most thought without Bradley once they entered the NBA bubble.

Just like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Avery needs to make a quick decision on his future. He has already stated that he wants at least two years on his next deal with possibly more than $5 million annually.

Hopefully, with reports that guard Rajon Rondo almost out of the equation, the Lakers would likely want to keep Bradley to maintain some continuity in the backcourt.

His perimeter defense is too good to allow a Golden State or the Milwaukee Bucks, who have the challenge of showing Giannis Antetokounmpo that surrounding talent is paramount nab him to their rosters.

Seems like a lot of possible Lakers rumors right? Will these things happen? Who knows? But let’s look at what the Los Angeles Lakers have accomplished in one week!