Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players who should be cut first for buyout signings

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: Kent Bazemore #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during a time out with Russell Westbrook #0 during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 03, 2022 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: Kent Bazemore #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during a time out with Russell Westbrook #0 during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 03, 2022 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

1. DeAndre Jordan

Man, Rob Pelinka really cannot figure out the center position. The Los Angeles Lakers have had a rotating cast of talent at the five in the last three years and it seems like every time Pelinka brings someone in and thinks he is improving he is actually getting worse.

DeAndre Jordan is the latest example of that. The team obviously had faith in Jordan to be a productive member of the rotation considering they gave him a starting role in the beginning of the season. It was a disaster for LA and since then Jordan really has not even been playing much.

The Lakers really only need one true center on the roster in Dwight Howard as Anthony Davis should be playing more five. The traditional rim-protecting five is far less important in today’s NBA and the Lakers can absolutely sacrifice their depth at the five.

It is easy to do so as well when Jordan was playing so poorly. This really should not even be a discussion for the Lakers. The second that they can land someone on the buyout market they should be showing Jordan the door.

Not only is his role on this team far less important than it would have been 15 years ago, but he is horrible in his role to begin with.