Los Angeles Lakers: 5 realistic goals for 2018 offseason
By Dan Lovi
4. Add backcourt depth
Mainly due to injury, the Lakers had an inconsistent backcourt all season. Lonzo Ball was in and out of the lineup all year. Caldwell-Pope had off-the-court issues that prevented him from playing some games. Alex Caruso started seven games, Hart started 23, while Tyler Ennis started 11. Thomas joined the team midseason and played 17 games before his season ended due to injury.
With only Ball and Hart under contract for next season, the Lakers will need to shore up the backcourt. The Lakers could try to bring back Caldwell-Pope, but he might find a more lucrative offer elsewhere.
Also, according to Bleacher Report‘s Eric Pincus, the team will have to make a decision on Ennis before the end of summer:
Ends up Tyler Ennis has a non-guaranteed 2nd season - not a team option - Lakers have til 7/5/18 to decide @BBallInsiders
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 29, 2017
A couple of players the Lakers might want to look at are Avery Bradley and Seth Curry.
Bradley and Curry are both undersized shooting guards coming off injuries that ended their seasons prematurely. The Lakers might be able to sign either player to the mid-level exception or a short-term deal if other teams aren’t showing much interest.