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5 Free Agents The Los Angeles Lakers Could Still Sign

By Gil Alcaraz IV

Mar 23, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) celebrates his three point basket late in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) celebrates his three point basket late in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lance Stephenson Los Angeles Lakers
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

SF Lance Stephenson

You probably have the same look on your face as Lance Stephenson does. Why would the Lakers sign a high-risk player like him at this point in time? It’s a good question.

However, I’m going to respond with a question of my own. If he comes at a reasonable price (likely), why not?

Stephenson may be a locker room pest and wildly inconsistent player, but we’ve seen what he’s capable of when he’s at the top of his game. The man can be a menace on defense, and even excels on the offensive end from time to time.

There’s so much potential to be tapped despite him being one of the NBA’s biggest headcases.

Seeing as the Lakers aren’t a contender in 2016-17, they can afford a gamble or two. Stephenson is obviously a huge gamble, but he’s likely desperate to play anywhere at this point. The Lakers can swoop in and sign him to a bargain-bin deal, and get more than just a bargain-bin talent.

It wouldn’t be any sort of solve-all for Los Angeles. It wouldn’t suddenly give this team the boost it needs to make the playoffs. But it would be a move that gives the Lakers an experienced starter who has the talent to shine if his head is on straight.

Again, you’ll never know until you try. What do the Lakers have to lose?

Next: The Only RFA Left On The Market

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