In a season full of injuries, a fluctuating lineup, and inconsistent play throughout the roster, arguably the most consistent player has been veteran guard Wayne Ellington. Originally thought of as strictly a shooter, Ellington has flashed an all-around game with the Lakers.
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Ellington’s contract runs out at the end of the season and according to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, Byron Scott believes the Lakers will consider re-signing Ellington, but he won’t be their top priority:
Scott said the Lakers will “absolutely” consider re-signing Ellington this offseason after gushing about his improvement as a shooter and defender. But the Lakers will prioritize the NBA Draft and marquee free agents.
Bringing Ellington back would make sense on a number of levels. While he wouldn’t be a starter, he is exactly the kind of person a team would want coming off the bench. He is always ready and plays hard every time he is on the floor. That being said, the Lakers are right to have their priorities elsewhere.
Big names like Kevin Love, Rajon Rondo, and Greg Monroe are possibilities for the Lakers this season and their focus should be squarely on those guys. Some role players understand this and wait for those chips to fall before cashing in while others take their contract when they have the chance.
The Lakers experienced this last season when Kent Bazemore, Jodie Meeks, and Jordan Farmar all took contracts elsewhere while the Lakers were focused on Carmelo Anthony. Meanwhile, Jordan Hill, Nick Young, and Wesley Johnson waited and remained with the team. It will be interesting which route Ellington takes.
[divide]Lakers Wayne Ellington Focused On Improving Multiple Aspects Of His Game
