The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be mentioned as possible landing spots for different veteran guards in NBA free agency but have yet to sign anyone. One recent name to pop up as a possibility is Jamal Crawford.
The Clippers have agreed to a three-team trade that will send Crawford to the Atlanta Hawks who are then expected to buy him out. If that happens, it was reported that Crawford preferred to join the Lakers.
According to Marc J. Spears of ESPN however, the interest is dying on both sides and Crawford will be choosing between other potential options:
With Lakers interest dying on both sides, source says Crawford is expected to have interest from T-Wolves, Cavs & Wizards after bought out. https://t.co/Jl1EKdoo1O
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 6, 2017
With George Hill choosing to go to Sacramento and Dion Waiters staying in Miami, the options for the Lakers were already dwindling quickly. Crawford potentially joining made sense as he is a great shooter who could space the floor, and he is a good mentor for young players.
If he is no longer an option, it begins to look more likely that Rajon Rondo could be brought in. The Lakers have reportedly been doing their homework on Rondo and there is serious interest on his end in coming to Los Angeles.
Furthermore, Rondo has some similarities to Lakers rookie point guard Lonzo Ball as an excellent facilitator who makes teammates better. Rondo was reportedly loved by the young players of the Chicago Bulls, and he could have the same impact with the Lakers’ young core.
For Crawford, he will now have his choice of different playoff teams who will be lining up for his services. He undoubtedly will be a very desired free agent once he hits the market as a player who can score on anyone.