Reggie Jackson A Los Angeles Lakers Target?

When the Los Angeles Lakers enter free agency next season, priorities must be centered around the point guard position. Kobe Bryant is retiring soon, and we all might as well get ready to send him off into the sunset.

Due to circumstance and the new Collective Bargain Agreement, Los Angeles can no longer wave their magic wand from the front office and have opposing teams surrender their best players. The Orlando Magic were once summoned with Dwight Howard in 2009, Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies in 2007, and Chris Paul from the New Orleans for about two hours.

The Lakers are pretty much in tryout mode, hosting players that would certainly be best as reserves on most teams. Names like Wes Johnson, Ronnie Price, and Jeremy Lin aren’t exactly the building blocks of a house fit for a champion.

These players are contributing major minutes to the Lakers, and for some, they are slowing the development of younger prospects like Jordan Clarkson. Aside from Lin, other players may not even be considered in the Lakers’ future.

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Johnson is on his second campaign with the Lakers, and has not capitalized on his uncanny athleticism and potential. Price is an NBA journeyman whom won favor with coach Byron Scott. His energy and defense led Scott to favor him over Lin in the starting lineup.

There are quite a few names on the Lakers’ wishlist of point guards in upcoming free agency. Goran Dragic and Reggie Jackson probably two of the Lakers’ better options. Each player is balancing playing on teams with productive mates in the backcourt.

Dragic is sharing time with Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas, and seems to be reeling from last year’s 20.3 points on 50% shooting, along a little less than six assists per game. Dragic is now averaging 16.7 points and four assists per game.

Despite his success last season, the team signing Thomas indicates that they may need the insurance if Dragic seeks more playing time and a bigger payday. The Phoenix Suns would be wise to allow him to walk, and continue developing an exciting team out west.

Reggie Jackson is backing up arguably the best point guard in the league, Russell Westbrook. Despite Westbrook mostly initiating the offense for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jackson still finds ways to be one of the team’s most important players. He is currently averaging 15.5 points and over four assists per game.

Jackson is ready for a larger role, along with more cash. OKC has shown an unwillingness to break bread, unloading James Harden to the Houston Rockets during the 2012-13 seasons.

Which player does Los Angeles have the better chance at acquiring? Good money says that Reggie Jackson could fit when considering the money the Lakers have to pay, along with the starting role at his mercy. Jackson would definitely get the chance to make it as an NBA starter while expanding his brand in one of basketball’s meccas.

Los Angeles has proven to be a market that could facilitate popularity and championship lore with the right roster. Reggie Jackson could be the first of many pieces that the Lakers use to compile their championship puzzle.

Not only does his youth, at age 24, prove intriguing in terms of his growth, but the athleticism and skills he brings to the position immediately makes him one of the team’s best guards in recent years.

The next steps are left up to the team’s front office. If they are serious about their three to four year rebuild, the best place to start is with a floor general like Jackson. Oklahoma City is getting healthier, and is primed for a run at a championship. The big game experience that he is getting can become one which makes his services that much more welcomed.

Reggie Jackson is a legitimate NBA player, and this summer, count on the Lakers to act like it.

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