Although the Los Angeles Lakers carry a season-best five-game winning streak into Monday’s matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers, they suddenly are a team that’s light on depth.
Over the past few days the Lakers reached a buyout agreement with Corey Brewer, and lost Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram to injuries. News on Brewer and Hart came within hours of each other.
With Hart set to be sidelined for at least four weeks while recovering from hand surgery, and Ingram out for a minimum of three more games, the Lakers are considering filling their open roster spot.
“We’re looking at more players right now,” head coach Luke Walton said after Monday’s shootaround. Walton indicated signing a wing player is the “most likely” scenario.
The Lakers filled one vacancy late last week by signing Travis Wear from their South Bay affiliate in the G League to a 10-day contract. Wear impressed in his debut against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring seven points while holding up defensively down the stretch of the game.
In addition to Wear, the Lakers have signed Nigel Hayes to a 10-day contract this season. Former Clippers guard/forward Jamil Wilson was expected to join the team in January on such a deal, but a lawsuit filed against him prevented the team from moving ahead.
In the interim, however remote the possibility may be, the Lakers could also call on Luol Deng in spot duty. But they were in position to do so last week in Miami and did not call on the veteran.