Los Angeles Lakers: 2 former LeBron James teammates to sign

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers watches from the bench during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 25, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers watches from the bench during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 25, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/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. Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose has been connected to the Los Angeles Lakers on numerous occasions. Two years ago he was connected to the team as a potential trade candidate, and upgrade, from Rajon Rondo. The same speculation existed this past season up until he was traded to the New York Knicks.

Rose is now a free agent and he is a perfect logistical fit on the Lakers. The point guard position has a lot of unknowns heading into the offseason with both Dennis Schroder and Alex Caruso entering free agency.

Schroder seems to be on his way out, whether it’s via free agency or a sign-and-trade. Alex Caruso should be a priority but does not being the playmaking of a traditional point guard.

The Lakers need a point guard that does not have to be the primary playmaker when he’s on the court, which was the issue with Schroder. That is what makes Rose so perfect.

Rose is a great candidate to play 20-25 minutes per game and facilitate while LeBron is on the bench as well as facilitate for LeBron. His impact will be huge in the regular season for depth purposes and he could have the same kind of playoff impact that Rajon Rondo had two years ago.