4 players the Los Angeles Lakers should hope get bought out
By Jason Reed
Evan Fournier
Evan Fournier is currently one of the most overpaid players in the league as he is making an absurd $17 million this season. That is exactly why the Orlando Magic may look to buy Fournier out and save a bit of cash in the process.
Fournier is a prime buyout candidate because of his contract. A $17 million contract is a lot for a team to not only take on but make work logistically within the framework of NBA trade rules. Prior to the season, I did not expect Fournier to be bought out, however, the Magic are 8-14 and very well could be out of the playoff race in just a few weeks.
Fournier is having a bit of a down season for the Magic and is only shooting 34.6% from beyond the arc. He is averaging 17.6 points, 3.6 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game.
Fournier has shown the ability to be an elite three-point shooter. He shot 39.9% from beyond the arc last season and had a career three-point percentage of 37.5% entering this season.
If the Los Angeles Lakers were to sign Fournier then it truly would be an embarrassment of riches. He would add another wing to the rotation to play at the two/three and if he is playing well could be a better use of the minutes that Wesley Matthews is currently getting.
I was extremely high on Matthews heading into the year but he simply has not had the kind of impact on the team that I expected. His offensive output is fine, but he has not lived up to his defensive potential, making him expendable in the rotation.