Los Angeles Lakers: 5 potential summer signings to watch closely

By Jason Reed | Mar 12, 2022

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 09: Lou Williams #6 of the Atlanta Hawks is defended by Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on March 09, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin is wrapping up his second season as a veteran minimum player with the Brooklyn Nets but he is still getting paid big money because of the multi-year buyout that he conducted with the Detroit Pistons last season.

Griffin may look for more money this summer as that buyout money will no longer be coming in but he has done nothing in Brooklyn to warrant getting more than a veteran minimum deal. After last season you could see Griffin getting someone like the bi-annual exception, after this year it is unlikely.

Griffin has struggled at points this season and his fall from being one of the best players in the league has been rather quick. He is no longer the thunderous dunker that drives to the rim that he used to be. He is now trying to fit more into the modern NBA by stretching the floor but he really struggles at shooting threes.

The Lakers obviously are not going to get huge impact players out of veteran minimums and Griffin could be one of the most impactful options for the team to pursue. If the team surrounds him with shooters he could be impactful as a backup four and potential small-ball five option for the Lakers.

There is still something there for Griffin. He should not be the sixth-best player on a title-contending team but he can be utilized better than the Nets are utilizing him.

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