Los Angeles Lakers: 3 free-agent point guards to avoid at all costs

By Jason Reed | Jul 12, 2021

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Cameron Payne #15 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Patty Mills

If there was a picture definition for a player that is worth the mid-level exception this offseason it would be Patty Mills. The non-taxpayers MLE allows teams to go over the salary cap with said contract and is projected to be worth $9.5 million next season. The deal can be signed for up to four years with 5% annual raises.

That is right around what Mills is worth as a free agent and instead of paying him $10 million, he is going to get offers for $9.5 million as teams look to exercise the MLE instead of using cap space.

The Los Angeles Lakers should not be one of the teams offering an MLE contract to Patty Mills. Mills would not be a great fit on this Lakers team and there are better uses of the MLE for the team.

Mills is an okay offensive player that will average over 10 points a game with decent (not great) three-point shooting. However, his assist numbers are way too low for a point guard as his playmaking and facilitating simply are not up to standard.

Mix that with the fact that he is a well below-average defender with his size and there really is not much value there for the Lakers. He does not add anything to the team other than an extra body, which certainly is not what you want from an MLE signing.

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