Los Angeles Lakers: Reasons for and against pursuing Wayne Ellington

Jan 28, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Wayne Ellington (8) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers guard Wesley Matthews (9) during the third quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Wayne Ellington (8) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers guard Wesley Matthews (9) during the third quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
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Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers should check in on Wayne Ellington as a potential backup option for the Detroit Pistons

So what does this mean?

Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers should do their due diligence and check in on the status of Ellington and let there be known that there is some interest there. However, the Lakers should not be actively pursuing Ellington and simply should be keeping their name in the loop in case the Pistons cannot find another trade partner.

The Lakers simply don’t have to get in a mini bidding war for Wayne Ellington as he would not add a completely new dynamic to the team. Sure, his three-point shooting is red-hot, but the Lakers have capable shooters that can take turns making baskets when the time deems fit.

If the Lakers were a high-volume three-point shooting team then it would make more sense. They have plenty of guys to give them the number of threes that the Lakers are looking to take and make in a game.

And his defense would limit his role in the NBA Playoffs. He may get 10 or so minutes but that would really be the ceiling as you cannot over-rely on one-way players in the NBA Playoffs.

Depth is great, but it is not worth paying a premium price for when you do not need it as much as some other teams.