The Los Angeles Lakers are only days away from the 2015 NBA Draft in which the team will make a crucial decision that will impact the franchise’s future for years to come. All signs continue to point to Jahlil Okafor being the second overall pick, meaning the Lakers will need to address the backcourt heading into free agency come July 1.
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Although the Lakers will likely attempt to sign Rajon Rondo or Goran Dragic this summer, Los Angeles will also try to bolster the bench. It appears Dwight Buycks may be one of the guards the team is targeting, according to David Pick:
Los Angeles Lakers inform Dwight Buycks of interest to re-up next season, a source said.
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) June 22, 2015
Back in April, Buycks signed with the Lakers on a 10-day deal with only eight games left in the regular season. The 26-year-old played well in his short time in Los Angeles, but his stint with the team was cut short.
Buycks’ season came to an end when he fractured a finger in his right hand with only two games left to be played. Fortunately for Marquette product, he made enough of an impression in the short time with the team to receive consideration to return.
In six games with the Lakers, Buycks averaged 8.7 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game. Buycks also shot 45 percent from the floor and 63.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Jabari Brown is another guard that was added to the roster late last season that is expected to be on the team next season. Brown signed a non-guaranteed contract ($845,049) with the Lakers that included next season. Brown, as well as Buycks and possibly Vander Blue, will be battling for a roster spot leading up to the start of the 2015-16 NBA campaign in October.
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