Los Angeles Lakers: 2 waived players who would be great signings

By Jason Reed | Oct 17, 2021

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 24: Kris Dunn #32 of the Chicago Bulls attempts a shot while being guarded by Harry III Giles #20 of the Sacramento Kings in the third quarter at the United Center on January 24, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Kris Dunn

If there is one recently waived player that Rob Pelinka should already be on the phone with it is Kris Dunn. Dunn was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies and he absolutely is someone who could have a lasting impact on the Lakers.

Dunn was a solid up-incoming guard on the Chicago Bulls that signed with the Atlanta Hawks prior to last season. Dunn got hurt, only playing four games with the Hawks before being traded to the Boston Celtics in the offseason. Boston then flipped him to Memphis, who waived him ahead of the regular season.

The intriguing thing about Dunn is his defense. The Lakers lost an extremely underrated great defensive player in Alex Caruso and Dunn is very similar in that regard. He is someone who is really good on the perimeter and makes those hustle plays that Caruso would often make.

He is a bit undersized and the Lakers are heavy at guard but this would be a case of picking up the best option out there more so than picking up an Xs and Os fit. At the very least, his defensive presence could be a huge plus for the team while Talen Horton-Tucker and Trevor Ariza are out.

Dunn posted a 3.1 Defensive Box Plus/Minus during the 2019-20 season. That was the third-highest DBPM in the league that season with at least 1,000 minutes played (first among guards).

Dunn is an elite defensive player and he would be a great addition to a Lakers team that has taken a step back defensively.

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