4 best free agent destinations for guard Darren Collison

2. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the two teams the Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., native and UCLA grad is reportedly interested in joining if he comes out of retirement. And why wouldn’t he want to go to the team with the best record in the Western Conference so close to home?

The top point guard for the Lakers, naturally, is LeBron James. Coach Frank Vogel has embraced playing James at the point, recognizing that nobody on the team (in the sport?) has a better basketball IQ than the Akron native.

Despite James’ strongly held beliefs about “load management” (he’s opposed), Vogel will likely want to see the 35-year-old get some rest towards the end of the season, especially if the Lakers are able to lock up home-court advantage for the Western Conference playoffs.

Who better to allow James to get some rest than somebody who hasn’t played a minute of professional basketball since last season?

The top option currently behind James is the seemingly ageless Rajon Rondo, who is averaging 7.0 points and 5.4 assists per game off the bench. His 3-point shooting has improved over his career, but he’s still not terribly proficient in that area. Alex Caruso can slide over to the point as well.

Darren Collison would be a fresher, more prolific 3-point shooting option off the bench.