Los Angeles Lakers: 3 sharpshooting free agents to pair with LeBron James
By Dalton Sell
The Los Angeles Lakers should target Ben McLemore in 2021 NBA free agency
Many contenders were looking to sign Ben McLemore after he was let go by the Houston Rockets midway through the 2020-21 season, but it was the Lakers that ultimately got his signature.
McLemore was solid during his 21 regular-season games with the club, serving his purpose by providing another perimeter shooter by canning 42-of-114 (36.8 percent) of his triples. Although his playing time fizzled out quickly in the postseason, bringing McLemore back for another trial run would be a feasible move for the Lakers from several standpoints.
Although he had the second-worst shooting season of his career this year between his time spent with the Rockets and Lakers, the guard is known for his outside shot. Just last year, he shot the long ball at an incredibly efficient 40 percent on a career-high 6.4 attempts per game with Houston, providing a reliable threat from the outside. With an entire offseason ahead to conjure up chemistry with his teammates, specifically LeBron, and get back into the swing of things rather than being thrown into the mix midseason, McLemore could find a rhythm and contribute much more efficiently.
Secondly, he likely would not command a lucrative deal for his services after what many might consider a down year for the guard. If he and the Lakers could come to terms on a team-friendly deal for another season, then the fit is rather seamless for both parties involved. Time will tell how both sides feel about sticking together for the foreseeable future.