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Los Angeles Lakers 2015 Free Agency Primer

By Jackson Sanders

March 4, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) controls the ball against the defense of Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 4, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) controls the ball against the defense of Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 11, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Wesley Matthews Could Be A Speculative Add For Los Angeles Lakers

While not formally linked to the Lakers in any report, Wesley Matthews was an interesting suggestion by Bleacher Report’s Kevin Ding back in April.

Matthews, who tore his Achilles on March 5th, would be a speculative add for the Lakers. There’s truly no telling how a player will come back from a serious injury (Achilles injuries are one of the worst in basketball), but Matthews was an excellent three-and-D player before he went down. Signing him to a bargain deal could end up paying dividends for the Lakers down the road.

Of course, the team would have to manage the risk while making the contract worth it for Wesley Matthews. That likely means playing with contract language to give Matthews a shot at more money if he performs upon recovery, and giving the Lakers a team option to cut him loose if he simply can’t play anymore.

The sticking point will probably be in the asking price. Matthews seems to think that he can get $15 million per year, which is an unreasonable risk for a team to take. Committing even half of that salary to a guy fresh off of an Achilles tear would make plenty of GMs squeamish.

A one-year “prove it” deal for Matthews feels like the only way he ends up on the Lakers next season.

Next: A Young Small Forward

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