Lakers: 3 players who are now buyout targets after Anthony Davis injury

By Jason Reed | Feb 17, 2022

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 09: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Moda Center on February 09, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Gorgui Dieng

Gorgui Dieng did not get traded during the NBA trade deadline but he could be bought out for a similar reason as Paul Millsap. Dieng is not getting many minutes on the Atlanta Hawks, who have struggled this season and are going to look for any spark that they can.

If someone emerges on the buyout market for the Hawks to sign the Dieng might be the first player to go. One team’s trash could be another team’s treasure, though, as Dieng would give the Lakers a stretch four to take some of the load off of AD.

Dieng has operated as a stretch-five in his career, so while he technically is not a power forward, he is still someone who could take some of the load off of AD. He helps space the floor as he is one of the best shooting big men in small volumes in the entire NBA and does not hurt the floor spacing like Dwight Howard or DeAndre Jordan.

Dieng is shooting over 40% from three this season and is shooting a combined 42.7% from three over the last two seasons. He is not someone who is going to dominate the glass or block a lot of shots, but in today’s NBA, that is less important.

Like Millsap, he is someone who could not only take some minutes off of AD’s plate but could also play on the floor with him as well because of his ability to shoot. He would even fit nicely in a Russell Westbrook as the small-ball five lineup, taking the place of Trevor Ariza as the four.

Home/Anthony Davis