The Los Angeles Lakers are finally thriving off LeBron James’ arrival as they look to put an end to their playoff drought and take the team back to the top of basketball following the post-Kobe Bryant era.
Even so, it’s been pretty clear that when James is not on the court, their needs of depth at the wings really wind up hurting the team’s chances to hold on to leads or try to get back into some games.
Los Angeles has quite a solid squad but it seems like they need to add a couple of players if they intend to make a playoff run and match up with the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets, and today, we’re going to let you know about 5 buyout candidates that could really help LeBron lead the Lakers to the ring.
5. Trevor Ariza
According to several insiders, the Ariza to Lakers trade was a ‘done deal’, but the Washington Wizards traded for him in a last-gasp attempt to avoid a tanking season and a rebuilding process.
Now that their season has gone down the drain, the veteran wing is likely going to be bought out, and we all know he would love to have the chance to go back to his former team and help win yet another Championship.
4. DeMarre Carroll
DeMarre Carroll was once a respected 3 and D wing, but ever since leaving the Toronto Raptors, his career has taken a major downfall, even so, he’s worth the risk as a late season pick up for the Lakers.
Carroll is long and a great wing stopper, so even if his shot isn’t falling, he could really help the Lakers improve their terrible defense, should he discuss a buyout with the sluggish Brooklyn Nets.
3. Carmelo Anthony
LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony are very close friends and he would love to welcome his longtime buddy in Los Angeles to try and help him win a Championship before calling it a day and retire.
If Carmelo Anthony can find consistency as a shooter, he would really help this team off the bench, but that’s huge if, and perhaps Pelinka and Johnson are n’t willing to take the risk and sign the veteran.
2. Zach Randolph
Most of us forgot Zach Randolph was still in the league, mostly because he ’s not even a part of the Kings’ rotation this season with them stacked with young talent at the power forward and center spots.
Randolph is one of the best offensive rebounders in the league, a skilled big man that could be a perfect small-ball center and that could thrive off the pick and roll with LeBron James, and provide a physical presence when Tyson Chandler’s not on the court.
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1. Rudy Gay
If the San Antonio Spurs decide they should tank, there’s no reason to hold on to Rudy Gay and his contract, and he could really help this team take a step forward towards Championship contention with his defense and scoring.
Gay takes a lot of heat because he never became the superstar we all thought he’d be, but he’s still one of the best combo forwards in the league and could be a major X-Factor for the Lakers, even if he’s coming off the bench.
Source: “Los Angeles” – Google News