The LA Lakers could look at the trade market for point guard depth, as players like Mario Chalmers, Jose Calderon and Brandon Jennings could be fits after Los Angeles missed out on Ty Lawson to give Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell some veteran support and this comes as the team is not trading Nick Young for the moment after reports that he could be traded.
The Lakers have 14 signed players coming into the back stretch of July and the team still could have moves to make. According to Sheridan Hoops, the team has looked at Kevin Seraphin as an option on the free agent market along with JaVale McGee and Glen Davis. The Lakers reportedly are interested in adding another big man or guard for their final roster spot and the team has a $2.8 million exception to use.
Robert Upshaw is getting consideration for the final spot, but Mitch Kupchak said to the media that he is not likely going to contribute this season. The Lakers could also look at some trade options on the market, as they have been shopping Nick Young and could try and find a deal after signing Lou Williams. According to Bill Oram of the Orange County Register, the Knicks are keeping Young "for now" as they did not find a good trade opportunity earlier in July.
The Lakers reportedly looked into a deal for Ty Lawson before he was traded to the Rockets and that could signal that the team is looking to upgrade at point guard. The team could try and make a move with a trade to give up a player and get one back to keep the final roster spot open, but the money would have to work. Mario Chalmers has been "shopped aggressively" by the Heat, according to Marc Stein at ESPN, but the Heat likely would not be interested in Young's contract.
The Lakers have Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell as the main point guards and while the team likes that young potential, they also would like some more experience on the bench. The team could look at adding a veteran like Jason Terry or Andre Miller, but the Lakers are also looking to get another depth option in the front court. Clarkson could push to start this season after having a strong rookie year and he could be first ahead of Russell to open the season.
The deal could be tough though even if Chalmers fits with the Lakers, as Miami has been trying to cut down on cap space/luxury tax money and adding a contract will not help that. The team is willing to trade Chalmers because his deal is expiring and at $5 million it will give them tax relief. The Heat would not want to take on a contract like Young's, as he is signed for a few more years and is decently expensive, but not too much so. The Lakers are holding onto Young now and Miami is continuing to shop Chalmers.
Clarkson was taken in the second round and after playing well in the Summer League last year, he made his way onto the roster. The team is hoping Russell can step up as a rookie and Clarkson comes in after finishing strong last season, averaging over 20 points per game over the final month of the regular season.
Check here for more on the Lakers offseason moves and potential trades with Nick Young.
