Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: 5 must-sign free agents after Russell Westbrook trade

By Jason Reed

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 03: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards dribbles against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Capital One Arena on May 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 03: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards dribbles against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Capital One Arena on May 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Will Newton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

5. Jeff Teague

Jeff Teague is now an NBA champion but that is not going to stop the 33-year-old point guard from signing with a contender to win another ring. Perhaps he stays in Milwaukee after being traded there last season but if he does leave the Lakers present a good fit.

Teague is not that great of a point guard but he is a veteran that can give the team minutes at the one. He is not someone you want playing 20 minutes per game but he can provide value in what the Lakers would be asking of him.

Despite his flaws both defensively and in his playmaking, he still shot 43.9% from beyond the arc. Granted, he only attempted 1.5 threes per game, but that is around the number of threes he would be taking with the Lakers anyway.

Teague would help round up the depth in the backcourt and if the Lakers were to sign all of these free agents they would have a complete rotation. The starting five would be along the lines of:

  • PG: Russell Westbrook
  • SG: Alex Caruso
  • SF: LeBron James
  • PF: Anthony Davis
  • C: Hassan Whiteside/Marc Gasol

That would give the Lakers a primary bench unit of:

  • 6th: Talen Horton-Tucker
  • 7th: JJ Redick
  • 8th: Carmelo Anthony
  • 9th: Marc Gasol/Hassan Whiteside
  • 10th: Trevor Ariza
  • 11th: Jeff Teague

Of course this is assuming that the Los Angeles Lakers can come to terms with Alex Caruso and Talen Horton-Tucker. If not that is only two more holes that the Lakers would have to fill.

That is a passable rotation, though. Sure, it is old, but the Lakers have some solid shooters off the bench, some solid defensive options and you hope that Talen Horton-Tucker can take a step up in year three.

Next. 50 greatest Lakers of all-time. dark

And at the end of the day, you have a big three that is going to get you 80 points combined in a playoff game. The rest of the supposting cast can muster another 30-40.

Home/Lakers Free Agency