Despite the fact that this free agent class isn’t nearly as extravagant as the one last season or the one everyone is anticipating next season, due to the lockout this new batch of free agents has received a high amount of publicity in a short amount of time.
One of the bigger names soon to be on the market is Denver Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo. Now, the Lakers have no way to sign Afflalo straight-up due to their financial limitations this off-season, but it’s being reported that they’re still looking into the possibility of adding the former UCLA Bruin to their roster.
Marc Stein of ESPN is reporting that of the numerous teams to express interest in Afflalo, the Los Angeles Lakers are indeed one of them. The Lakers, along with their Christmas Day opponents the Chicago Bulls, are two teams that are potentially seeking sign-and-trade deals with the Nuggets to acquire Afflalo.
“Sources told ESPN.com that the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, despite possessing no cap space to bid for the 26-year-old swingman, will continue to press the Nuggets to see if they’re amenable to sign-and-trade discussions.”
Afflalo could provide some much needed energy and perimeter shooting to a Lakers team that lacked both last season. However, it’s clear that the Lakers are looking for a reserve guard to play a limited role behind Kobe Bryant. Afflalo is reaching the point in his career where he will be expecting to compete for a starting position, and in Los Angeles that’s not going to happen.
Still, there’s no question that Afflalo is turning into a very serviceable NBA player, and should make a positive impact wherever he ends up.