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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 former players who could help the team

By Amaar Burton

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 03: Louis Williams #23 and Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers react after a scoring play against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during the NBA game at Staples Center on January 3, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Suns 97-77. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 03: Louis Williams #23 and Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers react after a scoring play against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during the NBA game at Staples Center on January 3, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Suns 97-77. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) /

2. Marc Gasol

Another former Laker who never played a game for L.A., Marc Gasol was drafted by the Lakers in 2007. He continued to play professionally in Spain before the Lakers (who owned his NBA rights) traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008 as part of a deal that involved Marc’s older brother Pau Gasol.

Trading Marc was — just like trading De’Andre Hunter — a necessary move that the Lakers would make every time if given a do-over. Pau helped Kobe lead L.A. to championships in 2009 and 2010.

However, it would be great for the Lakers today if Marc came back to finish what he never really started with the franchise.

After the trade, Marc went on build a great career with the Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors. He’s a three-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA pick, and in 2013 he was voted the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.

In 2015, Marc finished eighth in league MVP voting. He was a cornerstone of the Grizzlies’ beloved “Grit N Grind” teams, the most successful run in franchise history that peaked with a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2013. After being traded in 2019, Marc helped the Raptors win that franchise’s first championship.

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Kawhi Leonard leaving Toronto after the championship led many to believe the Raptors would break up the title team and rebuild, which would probably mean trading a high-salaried veteran like Marc Gasol. But the Raptors kept their remaining core and are currently in second place in the Eastern Conference.

Had the Lakers been able to trade for Gasol (remember, there’s no salary cap in this universe), they’d be getting a 6’11” center who can still defend the best the league has to offer — he has consistently given Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid fits — and has developed into a legit long-range shooter. Gasol is hitting 40.2 percent of his 3-pointers this season.

The Lakers have an effective pair of centers already in JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard, but they don’t provide much offensively beyond setting screens and catching lobs. Gasol can defend but also be a versatile scoring threat, adding another wrinkle to a potent L.A. offense.

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