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Los Angeles Lakers: 4 potential buyout targets to avoid at all costs

By Jason Reed

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 05: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center on December 5, 2021 in Houston, Texas. 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 Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 05: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center on December 5, 2021 in Houston, Texas. 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 Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. D.J. Augustin

There are several point guards that the Los Angeles Lakers could pursue in the buyout market. Ironically enough, Dennis Schroder is probably the best option for the team although Goran Dragic is a potential option as well. There is also the potential of getting a two-guard like Eric Bledsoe if he is bought out.

Even if the Los Angeles Lakers miss out on all of those other guard options they should not resort to signing D.J. Augustin in the buyout market. Augustin, who currently plays for the Houston Rockets, has been one of the worst guards in the entire NBA this season and there is no hope for the Lakers resurrecting his play.

Among the 330 players with 500 minutes played this season, Augustin ranks 322nd in Box Plus/Minus, checking in with a -4.4. Mark. That puts Augustin in the second percentile of NBA players… 98% of NBA players have been better than Augustin this season!

The last thing that the Lakers need is an undersized, 5-11 point guard who cannot play a lick of defense. Some fans may look at his 40% three-point rate and point to that being the reason why the Lakers should sign him this season.

The Lakers do not need that! They already have three really good off-ball shooters in Malik Monk, Carmelo Anthony and Wayne Ellington, all of which cannot play much defense. Augustin is somehow even worse at defense than those three!

Man, just imagine a situation in which the Lakers run out Augustin and Avery Bradley together. You already know that Frank Vogel would do that and the Lakers would get torched in the backcourt with their lack of size.

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