Los Angeles Lakers: Is Wilson Chandler The Answer At Small Forward?

Not many teams will enter this summer’s free agency equipped with sufficient cash like the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite not being able to stronghold the market as they have historically, the team will still make due in a time when the CBA pushes for competitive balance for small markets.

We all know that the Lakers are the granddaddy of all of the franchises, a bit of an empire, if you will. Right now, that empire is recovering from an epic fall, yearning for the right moves to thrust them back into the thick of NBA success. All of this will hinge on the team addressing the needs of their roster.

While things will likely shape up after the 2015 NBA Draft, the Lakers still need to make moves involving some seasoned NBA talent. The glaring weakness in many of their lineups and other roster lies on the perimeter.

With an injured Kobe Bryant returning and a second-year player in Jordan Clarkson at the helm, much is still to be desired from that aspect, not to mention that the team is going into next season with no prospects at small forward, with Wesley Johnson likely done in Los Angeles. A solid fit that comes to mind would be Wilson Chandler.

Who doesn’t like 6’8″ versatile forwards that can provide a spark on both ends of the floor? When you’re talking about the ideal wing to place along a guy like Kobe Bryant, or even their young core, Chandler is ideal.

As an experienced veteran presence, he can attest to the rigors and grind of the NBA. Even being with two franchises like the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks, Chandler has had his share of adapting to different styles and brands of basketball.

For his career, Chandler has proven that he’s a solid scorer, averaging 13.7 points on 44.2 percent shooting. While he’s not a dead-eye shooter from long range, Chandler provides respectable midrange and driving skills.

He even does a great job on the boards, finishing with a career-high of 6.1 rebounds per game. For some perspective; Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard are three other small forwards averaging six or more rebounds per game. Defensively, this could be a huge asset for the Lakers to have.

You need a defender who can rebound to get your team into the flow of the offense. Notice that the players mentioned above all are dynamic in their offensive schemes, and their success comes from pushing the ball off rebounds.

Age is a bit of a concern with Chandler. He just turned 28 on May 10, so his signing wouldn’t completely fit in with the rebuilding and youth movement that the Lakers are pursuing. But as mentioned before, Chandler is one of those veterans that you need. His time in the league hasn’t given his body many miles, given he’s only played in the postseason twice.

The Lakers could be getting a player that is settled into his role, and more comfortable being a productive piece next season. After all, he’ll be coming in to replace Wes Johnson, who, with all due respect, doesn’t do some of the things that Chandler has proven he can.

Last season Chandler made $6.3 million at the end of a five-year deal. The Lakers will definitely have the room to offer anywhere from the $7-$10 million range. The deal still leaves them will the opportunity to fill out other parts of their roster. It could possibly lock them up a two-way starter on the perimeter since the departures of both Metta World Peace and Trevor Ariza.

Chandler isn’t the sexiest name in free agency, but a player who has proven himself to be a reliable contributor is exactly what the Lakers need.

Next: LaMarcus Aldridge: Top 5 Free Agency Destinations

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