Los Angeles Lakers: 4 point guards to target this offseason

1. Derrick Rose

Although Derrick Rose will not become a free agent this offseason, LA should continue their pursuit of the former league MVP through trade. The team was hot on him all season, but despite their keen interest in Rose, they could not successfully pull off a deal to acquire him.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported earlier this season that “the Lakers offered a package involving Alex Caruso and draft compensation for Derrick Rose, which was rejected as the Pistons had set a high value on the former NBA MVP.”

Understandably so, as Rose had his best statistical year since the 2011-12 season, having rejuvenated himself with the Detroit Pistons. In 50 games this season, Rose averaged 18.1 points, 5.6 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game as he provided the Pistons with a bright spot in their lackluster season.

While the Lakers were already among the top-tier contenders in the league to win it all this season, acquiring Rose might have asserted them as the clear favorite. He and LeBron’s first time teaming up back in 2017 did not go as planned. With Rose now healthy and the Lakers need for a backup point guard, things could go different this time around.

Aside from giving Anthony Davis a new deal if he opts out of his player option, trading for Rose should be the top priority on the team’s to-do list this offseason. The former MVP could be the missing piece to this roster and could put them over the top for next year.

With $7.7 million on his contract for next season, Rose would be a steal for the Lakers if they could pull off a trade, making it very likely they go all-in to acquire him.