Los Angeles Lakers: 3 free agent PGs team could still sign

Right now, the Los Angeles Lakers are thin at point guard. Luckily for them, there are a number of capable free agents who can fill the backup role with ease.

Trust me, I’m riding the Lonzo Ball hype train like most folks are right now. The 2017 second overall selection has been tearing up the Summer League for the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s no wonder Magic Johnson is so confident in this kid being the new face of the franchise.

And yet, he can’t do it all on his own. Eventually, Ball is going to need some rest. Unfortunately, the Lakers don’t exactly have a ton of depth at point guard. Behind Ball, there’s Alex Caruso — the Summer League standout who recently earned a two-way contract. Then there’s P.J. Dozier, an undrafted free agent who was invited to training camp.

That’s about it, unless you count combo guard Jordan Clarkson. Or maybe Josh Hart could make the transition from the 2-spot?

Clearly the Lakers could use another capable option at point guard. They showed interest in George Hill and Rajon Rondo during free agency, but both have since signed elsewhere. With the market quickly drying up, Magic and co. are going to need to make a move soon.

Luckily for them, there are a number of intriguing options still wading around the free agency pool. While none of them are going to get fans too excited, the players I’m about to highlight would help heading into 2017-18.

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With that in mind, here are three free agent point guards the Lakers could still sign. Not only would they fit under the team’s current financial restraints, but they’d be definite upgrades over what’s currently available behind Ball.

Tyler Ennis

Last season, Tyler Ennis was a pleasant surprise for the Lakers after he was acquired from the Houston Rockets just before the trade deadline. Although not a standout player by any means, he held his own when minutes were awarded to him.

Honestly, I was a bit surprised Los Angeles didn’t prioritize bringing him back. Maybe the plan was to first see what else was available via free agency, as they’ve done so far this offseason. However, after having struck out on some of this year’s big names, they’ve allegedly turned their attention back to Ennis.

Re-signing Ennis wouldn’t be the worst move. First off, it would give them a backup point guard who has experience with the team and system. In 22 appearances with the Lakers, Ennis averaged 7.7 points, 2.4 assists and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 45.1 percent from the field. I’ll say it again — a pleasant surprise.

Ennis wouldn’t cost too much to sign. In fact, he likely wouldn’t even take up the entire exception considering he made only $1.7 million a season ago. It would be a small investment for a prominent piece of the puzzle in 2017.

If the Lakers value familiarity, Ennis seems like the guy to target at this point.

Ian Clark

I really like the idea of the Lakers signing Ian Clark, as Shelburne mentioned. I know he was looking for a more prominent role on his next team, but playing behind Ball would still provide more opportunities than playing behind Stephen Curry and Shaun Livingston.

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Based on what we’ve seen from Clark through four seasons, he has the talent to be a prominent piece of any NBA offense. He’s got a career field goal percentage of 45.6, and has connected on 36.4 percent of his threes. Clark saw his minutes go up a season ago, and rewarded the Golden State Warriors with some exceptional play.

While he doesn’t fit the “mentor” mold, Clark would be a solid complement to Ball. The rookie is more of a facilitator, while the 2017 champ is more of a combo guard who makes his biggest impact as a shooter. His defense is still a work in progress, but he offers significant upside even at 26 years of age.

The best part is that Clark wouldn’t cost too much to sign. He made just over $1 million with the Warriors in 2016-17. That means the Lakers could likely get him under contract for not much more than that, using their exception to do so.

If Clark were to sign, he’d give the Lakers depth at point guard. Then, if he shines in his first year in Los Angeles, he could potentially be re-signed to play in a similar role when the Lakers try to put together their super-team next offseason.

Deron Williams

I’m a firm believer that Deron Williams is the underrated signing the Lakers need to make. Sure, he’s 33 years old and well past his prime. And yet, I believe he’d bring a terrific veteran presence for Los Angeles’ bench unit.

Furthermore, Williams would be an excellent mentor for Ball. As we all know, the veteran was once one of the best passing guards in the NBA. From 2007-13, he finished in the top five in assists every season. If it wasn’t for Steve Nash, he would have been the assists leader for at least a couple of campaigns.

Not only can Williams help the rising star develop as one of the NBA’s top passers, but he’d provide his own offensive flare off the bench. In 24 appearances with the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, Williams averaged 7.5 points, 3.6 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game.

Is Williams still the guy who was shredding opposing defenses for the Utah Jazz all those years ago? Unfortunately not. However, even at his ripe age, it’s clear he can offer something as a backup point guard.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

Williams played under a minimum deal with the Cavaliers in 2016-17. Although he’d probably cost more to play for a (likely) non-playoff team, it wouldn’t take the Lakers’ entire exception to get him under contract for 2017-18.