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2 uber-cheap defensive trade targets for the Los Angeles Lakers to add

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 19: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts from the sideline during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 19: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts from the sideline during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Torrey Craig

Torrey Craig is another player who is struggling offensively this season and that could allow the Los Angeles Lakers to strike while the iron is hot and get him for a small package. Craig is on a very similar contract as Harkless as he signed a two-year, $10 million deal before this season. He is making $4.8 million this season.

The Lakers can still match that salary up with one veteran minimum contract and the trade exception. Like Harkless, there is a very good chance that Craig does not have much of a market and that the 9-15 Indiana Pacers take a second-round pick and some salary relief for next season for Craig.

Craig is only shooting 28% from beyond the arc this season, which seems like an instant red flag for the Lakers. But once again, the team over-corrected and added too much shooting this past offseason. The team needs defense. They are not going to get away with playing Malik Monk and Wayne Ellington together in the playoffs. They will get exposed defensively and it will be ugly.

Craig is a solid defender who could be maximized by Frank Vogel on the Lakers. We have seen Vogel elevate average and slightly-above-average defenders into valuable assets defensively. Just look how much Kyle Kuzma’s defense is missed and he was not even that good defensively.

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If Craig turns it around offensively, which is very possible, then that is an added plus. He is not someone who is going to wow anyone, but as someone who can provide 16 solid minutes off the bench, Craig is a solid option at this price point.

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