Lake Show Life
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Big-name free agents the Lakers resist the urge to sign

By Jason Reed

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 26: Christian Wood #35 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles up the floor during the first half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 26, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 26: Christian Wood #35 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles up the floor during the first half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 26, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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Blake Griffin
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin is still on the free-agent market and it does not look like he is going to return to the Boston Celtics for another season. Reports indicate that the Celtics are moving on from the multiple-time all-star, leaving him in search of finding a new home.

There really are not many teams that will even be in the Griffin market. A young team with no chance of contending has no use for him and at this stage of his career he is not going to want to make that kind of signing. That leaves it up to contenders with roster spots and there is a limited number of teams that fit that billing.

The Lakers would definitely be able to sign Griffin if they are interested with the chances of him going to another contender instead being slim to none. And on paper, it is easy for the front office to talk itself into Griffin. He is a veteran with experience that has no problem playing a smaller role. He may not be a premier shooting big, but he can space the floor some and can even play the five at this point in his career.

Blake Griffin sadly has no upside for the Lakers

Sometimes a team is okay with signing a veteran player to a roster spot knowing that he won’t make that big of a difference on the court. Heck, Jared Dudley was an important part of the 2020 championship team even though he was not part of the postseason rotation at all.

Could Griffin have a similar locker room impact? Maybe. But this Lakers team is different from what it was three years ago as the team needs depth in the front court. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are not going to be playing 70 games next season and Jaxson Hayes is a wild card.

The team needs someone who can step up and play a bigger role if need be and Griffin isn’t that guy anymore.

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