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Lakers: Pass or pursue 3 proposed sleeper free agents

By Jason Reed

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 23: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Miami Heat argues with a referee against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 23: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Miami Heat argues with a referee against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Victor Oladipo

Victor Oladipo has had quite the journey in the NBA. Oladipo bounced from team to team early in his career and finally realized his potential as an all-star after he was traded to the Indiana Pacers in the Paul George trade. At his best, Oladipo is one of the best two-way guard in the entire league and is exactly the kind of player a championship team is looking to add.

However, Oladipo has not been able to stay healthy since those two breakout seasons. Oladipo has only played 96 games in total over the last four seasons, which included just eight games played this past season with the Miami Heat.

That being said, Oladipo showed flashes of being the same player in the playoffs with the Miami Heat. While it was not consistent and he was coming off the bench, the potential was still there and it was enough to get a team like the Lakers excited.

After all, Oladipo is still barely 30 years old. If he was a 35-year-old veteran that was dealing with all of these injuries it would be one thing. He will never reach his absolute best again but it is not absurd to think that Oladipo can be 80% of what he was with the Pacers.

Because of the injuries, Oladipo absolutely is in the Lakers’ range. He could sign for a minimum deal but it also would not be surprising if the Lakers had to use the MLE on him. And quite frankly, Oladipo would be worth the MLE.

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It would be a risky signing but with the potential upside, the Lakers don’t have a choice but to consider it.

Verdict: Pursue

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