Lakers: 4 best free-agent point guards to sign after missing on Kyrie, Wall
By Jason Reed
2. Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones is not someone who the Los Angeles Lakers are going to be able to sign with a minimum contract this offseason. While we should never say never in the NBA, it would be truly shocking if Jones was not able to get more than the minimum this offseason.
That being said, he is not a super expensive option and the Lakers could theoretically land him with the Taxpayer MLE. Granted, that might be saved for retaining Malik Monk but if Monk ends up leaving, the Lakers have another solid candidate.
Jones served as the primary backup point guard for Memphis last season, averaging 21.1 minutes per game. In those 21.1 minutes, Jones had a quality impact on both the offensive and defensive side of the floor. He was efficient offensively and played above-average defense despite being undersized at 6’0″.
Jones averaged 8.7 points, 4.4 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting 45.1% from the field and 39% from three. While those numbers may not be the most eye-popping, he undoubtedly had a positive impact and would essentially be a much better version of Avery Bradley for the Lakers.
Jones can also fill in and start if needed as well. He did so when Ja Morant was hurt last season and when Ja played, Jones saw no hindrance in his production by taking a back seat role.