Los Angeles Lakers: Pass or pursue on 3 potential buyout targets
By Jason Reed
Los Angeles Lakers pass or pursue on buyout targets:1. Avery Bradley
The first potential buyout target for the Los Angeles Lakers is a former Laker, Avery Bradley. Bradley was traded to the Houston Rockets as part of the Victor Oladipo trade and there is no reason for the Rockets to keep Bradley around.
Bradley has not been bought out by the Rockets yet but it would be more surprising if he stuck around in Houston. Bradley was a solid contributor for the Lakers in the regular season last season and seemingly would be a good addition to the team.
Except he would not be. The Lakers need a solid three and D wing that can be a consistent presence beyond the arc while also providing good defense. Bradley is a solid defender at his best, but he is not a wing by the traditional understanding of the position.
He simply creates a minutes log-jam with Dennis Schroder, Alex Caruso and Talen Horton-Tucker. He can play some two-guard, sure, but the Lakers would benefit more from someone who could play minutes at the three.
Bradley opted out of the bubble and has only played 12 games this season, averaging 8.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 36.2% three-point shooting. He has not been that great on either side of the basketball and is a bit redundant on this roster.
Verdict: Pass