The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be linked to a number of veteran guards in NBA free agency. Names like Rajon Rondo, Dion Waiters, and Jamal Crawford have all been mentioned as possibilities to join the franchise.
No deals have been reached as of yet, but Magic Johnson, Rob Pelinka, and the rest of the Lakers front office continue to be in contact with a number of different players.
According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype, the Lakers continue to pursue a number of veteran guards:
Lakers still pursuing vet guards such as Rajon Rondo, Jamal Crawford (if bought out), Dion Waiters, Rodney Stuckey: https://t.co/7kySTrnkLV
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 5, 2017
The Lakers are only offering one-year deals as to preserve their 2018 salary cap space, but in order to make up for the lack of long-term security, Magic is selling the guards on playing time and L.A. exposure among other things, via Kennedy:
Magic Johnson pitching vet guards on minutes (next to Lonzo Ball), exposure, chance to stick around if fit is good. https://t.co/7kySTrnkLV
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 5, 2017
The strategy makes sense as the cap room to pursue big name free agents in 2018 is the top priority. Nonetheless, having a big season in Los Angeles undoubtedly raises your profile and players could always be brought back if the fit is good.
The Lakers have a hole at the shooting guard position right now as Jordan Clarkson seems to be more suited in a sixth man role leaving only David Nwaba and rookie Josh Hart as the only options. Any veteran brought in would be in line for big minutes which is something players are looking for.
Whether or not the strategy works remains to be seen, but Magic and the rest of the Lakers brass are set to meet and discuss the possibilities of who to bring in.