The LA Lakers may make another addition to the roster before camp for Kobe Bryant, as Metta World Peace and Eric Moreland have been mentioned as potential targets in reports and this comes as the team has signed Marcelo Huertas to help depth behind D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson. The Lakers also have Robert Upshaw as an option to sign heading into camp after adding Michael Frazier.
The Lakers are not likely going to make a trade this summer for more point guard depth, as the team does not want to give up any of their valuable young players. The team was interested in a deal for Ty Lawson, but he ended up with the Rockets and now the Lakers could use Huertas to make up for the lack of experience on the roster at point guard. According to Yahoo Sports, the Lakers are signing Huertas to a one-year deal after he played previously in the Euroleague.
Adrian Wojnarowski writes that Huertas is "one of the most accomplished player" in Europe and that he can give the Lakers an "experienced pick and roll point guard" to play with Russell and Clarkson. The Lakers are excited about the future with Clarkson and Russell, but the team also realizes that both players are very inexperienced. Russell is going to get a chance to be the primary point guard, but having a veteran around should be helpful for when he has growing pains.
The Lakers also have been connected back to a former player of theirs, as Wojnarowski reported last month that the team was considering bringing back Metta World Peace. According to Yahoo Sports, the Lakers have been "discussing the possibility" of signing Peace and that while "no deal" is close, the sides have talked about a contract. Peace is 35 and comes in after playing overseas and he could give some veteran depth to the Lakers after working out at the team facility this summer.
The Lakers have some roster decisions still to make, as the team added Jonathan Holmes and Michael Frazier on non-guaranteed deals. Those players should get a chance to compete for a roster spot, while Robert Upshaw also could be in the mix. According to ESPN.com, Upshaw said that he is confident he will be a Laker and that a deal will get done. Upshaw has not yet signed after reports this summer that he was getting a deal after the summer league. Frazier has a chance to make it, but if not he could end up in the D-League for the Lakers.
The Lakers have made some solid moves this summer and while they may not be contenders in the west again yet, the team should be improved. Lou Williams, Brandon Bass and Roy Hibbert are all in and the team also drafted Russell and he should make for a strong tandem with Clarkson. Julius Randle is coming back after missing nearly his entire rookie season and he could give a huge boost to the front line if he can stay healthy and productive.
Check here for more on the Lakers interest in Metta World Peace, roster options and more on the signing of Huertas.
