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Los Angeles Lakers: 2 new players to target with LeBron James injured

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to an apparent injury during the second period of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on March 20, 2021 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 Michael Owens/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to an apparent injury during the second period of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on March 20, 2021 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 Michael Owens/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Elfrid Payton

The Los Angeles Lakers could benefit from Elfrid Payton’s facilitating

I know what you are thinking. Elfrid Payton? Really? Look: the fact of the matter is that the Los Angeles Lakers already do not have much capital to pull off a trade and they are not going to spend the house on getting help for six weeks while LeBron James is out.

I also think that Payton is a bit underrated as well. He is a serviceable defender with good size that could really be utilized well in Frank Vogel’s defensive scheme. Not only that, but the Knicks have simply been better as a unit when Payton is on the court opposed to when he is off the court.

The Knicks are only marginally better when Payton is on the court this season as his role has shrunk and his usage rate has dipped as a result. However, the 2019 numbers tell a better story on the kind of impact that Payton has on the team.

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When Payton was on the court last season the Knicks had an effective field goal percentage (eFG%) that was 2.5% higher and an offensive rating that was six points higher.

He is not a great shooter and is not going to provide a big scoring presence but he is someone who has averaged 6.4 assists per game in his career and could be on his way out of New York.

Payton is on an expiring contract and the Knicks should be looking to get anything they can for him with rookie Emmanuel Quickley playing solid basketball. The Lakers could easily get this trade done for Jared Dudley, Alfonzo McKinnie and a future second-round pick.

This also opens up another roster spot to sign a buyout player as well.

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