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

By Jason Reed

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)
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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Cameron Payne

Cameron Payne has really increased his value in the NBA Playoffs with the Phoenix Suns. Payne went from being a guy that was on his way out of the league to someone who plays a legitimate role on a team in the NBA Finals and has been pretty solid while doing so.

Payne has not been an elite point guard by any means but he has done what Phoenix has asked of him and has given the team quality minutes when Chris Paul is off the floor. Payne did step up when Paul was hurt against the Los Angeles Lakers and now he is going to get offers in free agency.

The Suns will probably try retaining Payne but he may have priced himself out of Phoenix. The Suns have the money to spend on Payne but at some point, it simply is not worth it and it would not be worth it for the Lakers, either.

While Payne has been a good story in the playoffs I am not totally convinced that he has changed much as a player. While Chris Paul likely had a positive impact on him, he is still a player who was almost out of the league! He found a great fit in Phoenix and we should not be convinced that it would translate over to the Lakers.

His three-point shooting is going to be really intriguing for teams that need shooting, including the Lakers, but there are so many good shooters available for cheap that the Lakers can turn a blind eye.

Next. 1 trade target from each non-playoff team. dark

Let another team overpay for Cameron Payne because he had one solid showing in the NBA Playoffs. Don’t fall victim to that trap.

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