Los Angeles Lakers: Big names to avoid during 2018 NBA free agency
2. Jabari Parker, SF, Milwaukee Bucks (Restricted)
At one point, I liked the idea of the Lakers making a run at Jabari Parker. Then again, it primarily stemmed from my affinity for the former Duke star ahead of the 2014 NBA Draft.
Now I’m not so sure it would be a positive move for Magic and co. As much potential as Parker possesses, there are just too many question marks surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks forward.
The obvious one is the two ACL tears he’s suffered since entering the league. The first cost him his entire sophomore season. The second, occurring midway through the 2016-17 season, forced him to miss most of the Bucks’ most recent campaign. Although he looked good at times upon his return, his medical history will make teams very apprehensive about a long-term investment.
The other question mark that comes to mind for me is Parker’s current attitude. I understand the kid has been through a lot during his brief NBA career, but the way he handled his lack of minutes during the Bucks’ playoff run was a tad off-putting.
Jabari Parker was very animated talking about his frustration right now with limited minutes. He mentioned the only way to see the floor more was to be on the “coach’s good side”. When asked if he was on Prunty’s good side, he smirked and said “I don’t think so.” #Bucks
— Stephen Watson (@SWatsonTV) April 19, 2018
Here is Jabari Parker's longest quote from today's media availability: pic.twitter.com/jxt6RbXjpi
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 19, 2018
Now I don’t have a problem with a player being frustrated. The problem is that Parker didn’t have a ton of reason to be frustrated. In the two games during which he saw reduced minutes (25 total), he shot 1-for-7 from the field and had more turnovers than assists and steals combined.
Parker is an outstanding talent who deserves the opportunity to be the star of the show. I just don’t think that Los Angeles is the place for that to happen. Plus, it’s probably going to cost more than he’s probably worth to steal him from the Bucks via restricted free agency.