It is a clear fact that the number one problem with the Lakers’ current roster is at the point guard position. Derek Fisher has held the reigns as point guard in Los Angeles admirably for years, but his torch is fading. While the Lakers can still rely on Fisher for his remarkable leadership and clutch shots, his overall contribution is on the decline.
The effort to acquire Steve Blake to aid Fisher, and eventually take over the starting point guard position hasn’t held to its expectations. With the NBA and the Lakers’ mentality of quick results, the fans and the organization don’t want to wait and see if better results occur in the future. Therefore, the Lakers will most likely look to acquire a point guard once the NBA lockout ends.
One point guard that has seen increased exposure as a valuable talent for a team to pick-up is Ramon Sessions. The 25 year-old point guard from Nevada was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2007 NBA Draft. After he spent time in 2007 with the NBA D-League’s Tulsa 66ers, where he averaged nearly 30 points per game, he was called up by the Bucks in early 2008. It took Sessions only a couple of months to find his groove with the team and the NBA.
On April 14, 2008, Sessions scored 20 points, pulled down eight rebounds and dished out 24 assists (a Milwaukee Bucks franchise record) against the Chicago Bulls in a 151-135 loss. This performance was also the first “20-20” with points and assists in Bucks franchise history. On April 1, 2009, Sessions recorded his first career triple-double with 16 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds against the Lakers.
Prior to the 2009-2010 season, Sessions signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves where his points and assists averages both took a dip. Yet, it was enough to impress the Cleveland Cavaliers, who acquired Sessions via a trade along with Ryan Hollins in July of 2010. His performance last season with the Cavaliers has peaked interest from his former team, the Bucks, the New York Knicks, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first overall draft pick of Duke’s Kryie Irving, Sessions is facing the possibility of becoming the number three point guard in Cleveland (behind Irving and veteran Baron Davis). Further, Sessions’ agent recently commented that Sessions would ask for a trade if the Cavs drafted Irving. Since that is exactly what Cleveland did, we can expect to see Sessions in a upcoming trade, when the lockout ends of course.
Financially, this might benefit the Lakers since acquiring Sessions would require a trade and a cut in team salary caps are expected as a result of lockout negotiations. Performance wise, the Lakers would be a good fit for Sessions. He could learn from Fisher, grow from partnering with Kobe in the backcourt and his speed, health and youth could help revitalize the Lakers and their backcourt.
