The Los Angeles Lakers’ 5 Worst Contracts Heading Into 2016-17

PG Jose Calderon

The Lakers acquired Jose Calderon this offseason as part of a salary dump for the Chicago Bulls. They knew what they were getting into with the deal, and got two second-round picks for their trouble. That, however, doesn’t make his price tag any more palatable.

Calderon is set to make $7.7 million this season, which is a large amount for a 34-year-old backup point guard. Sure, he started 72 games for the New York Knicks last year, but his production was underwhelming.

He averaged only 7.6 points, 4.1 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game while connecting on 42.5 percent of his shots.

I will admit that Calderon provides a strong mentor for young guards D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson. He’s also a reliable three-point threat. Unfortunately, he doesn’t offer much more value than that. So why is paying him $7.7 million for one year worth it for the Lakers?

Especially with Marcelo Huertas already on the roster, the veteran guard checkbox is already checked. Calderon may have more NBA experience, but he offers less value as a playmaker and costs more than five times as much.

Calderon isn’t going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean his contract isn’t a nuisance.

Next: An Overpaid Veteran On His Way Out