The LA Lakers may add veteran depth behind D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson this summer, as a Jose Calderon trade could be an option along with Brandon Jennings, while Toney Douglas, Norris Cole, or Baron Davis could be free agent targets to help along with JaVale McGee or Kevin Seraphin up front, as Mitch Kupchak also may look for help at center.
The Lakers made some significant moves this summer to help upgrade the roster after a tough 2014-15 season, as the team signed Lou Williams and traded for Roy Hibbert. The Lakers drafted D'Angelo Russell number two overall and also signed Brandon Bass and the roster already looks much improved compared to last year. The Lakers shopped Nick Young after signing Williams to a contract, but after not finding any takers they likely will hold onto Young into the start of the season.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the Lakers may look for more depth at point guard, as the team wants some experience on the roster with two young players coming in. Russell is a rookie and Jordan Clarkson is only in his second year and despite making the All-rookie team last season, the Lakers could add a veteran. According to RealGM, the Lakers showed interest in a trade for Ty Lawson and that could be a signal that the team is willing to make a move for some veteran depth.
The Lakers also could look at Brendan Haywood as an option along with JaVale McGee, as Bill Oram at the Orange County Register reports the team wants to add another big man. According to Michael Scotto at Sheridan Hoops, Kevin Seraphin has interest from the Lakers, while the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards are also interested. McGee is on the market and while he had interest from the Mavs, Dallas has already signed Samuel Dalembert and may not go after McGee now.
Mario Chalmers is on the trade market along with Brandon Jennings and Jose Calder son, but right now the Lakers are not close to making a trade. According to Marc Stein at ESPN, the Lakers are also interested in adding another big man to the mix, as they would like some more depth behind Robert Sacre, who is the only real center behind Roy Hibbert. The Knicks just drafted Jerian Grant and could consider moving Calderon, as he is on an expiring deal, while Miami has Chalmers and he also is on an expiring contract.
The Knicks may not move Calderon this summer, but he is one player to watch during the season depending on how things go in New York. Last season Calderon dealt with injuries and he was also shopped at the deadline. Toney Douglas is a potential option the Lakers could look at, as Pro Basketball Talk reports that the Pelicans have waived Douglas. The team is planning to sign back Norris Cole and this could be a move to help make that happen.
And now for the fun one. According to Mike Ortiz Jr., owner of DYST Now and writer featured on ESPN and CBS Sports, Baron Davis is looking to make an NBA comeback and numerous teams could be interested, including the Lakers. Ortiz writes that the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Hawks could be targets for Davis along with the Lakers. LA could look at Davis as a low risk option and could extend him an invite to camp.
Check here for more on the Lakers offseason moves, the interest in Haywood and Douglas and more on roster decisions for training camp and potential interest in Davis.
