The LA Lakers have a roster spot open and heading into August the team could look at Ricky Ledo, Kevin Seraphin or JaVale McGee as free agent options along with trades like Mario Chalmers or Chris Andersen to add some depth behind D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Roy Hibbert and this comes as Jordan Clarkson will have his contract guaranteed.
The Lakers made a number of roster moves this offseason, adding players like Lou Williams, Roy Hibbert and Brandon Bass while drafting D'Angelo Russell. The team shopped Nick Young in a trade this offseason and could not find a good deal and now it's likely that he will remain on the roster through the start of the season. The Los Angeles Times reports that the team could look at adding a free agent to fill out the roster, or the Lakers could bring in multiple players to battle in training camp.
Mitch Kupchak has talked up Robert Upshaw, but it's not likely that he will make the roster this season. The team only has one solid center with Roy Hibbert on the roster and while Robert Sacre is a capable backup, the team may need some more depth. According to Michael Scotto at Sheridan Hoops, the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards and New York Knicks are interested in Kevin Seraphin and he could be an option if LA wants to add a big man behind Hibbert.
There are other names on the market like McGee and Justin Hamilton along with Greg Stiemsma and Greg Smith, but the Lakers may go the camp route instead. The team reportedly was interested in a trade for Ty Lawson before he was moved to the Houston Rockets and that could mean the Lakers are looking to add a veteran point guard to the mix with Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell. The Lakers love the young duo, but there is a lot of inexperience there and adding another player could help.
Andre Miller is off the market, but Jason Terry remains and the team also could potentially look at a deal for Mario Chalmers. Ricky Ledo was just released by the Knicks and he could be a low risk option for a camp invite after he played fairly well in the Summer League. Chalmers is making $4.3 million, but he is on an expiring contract and it comes as the Miami Heat has been shopping the point guard along with Chris Andersen all offseason. The Lakers may not go the trade route after not being able to move Young and if they do that, expect Upshaw and other players to get a look in camp.
Clarkson is expected to have his contract guaranteed for the season, as the deadline is August 1 for the team to either waive him or guarantee the deal. The Lakers obviously are not waiving the guard, as he stepped up last season and made the All-rookie team after being a second round pick. Russell and Clarkson are expected to compete for the starting PG spot and Clarkson could be the main option after averaging 15.8 points, five assists and 4.2 rebounds per game in the second half of the season. Clarkson and Russell also could see time on the court together.
Check here for more on the Lakers roster options and offseason moves.
