3 potential buyout targets for the Los Angeles Lakers: Goran Dragić
With Kendrick Nunn missing the entire regular season to this point with a bone bruise, the Lakers have lacked a true backup point guard. One way to solve this problem would be to target a former teammate of Nunn’s in Goran Dragić.
Dragić was traded to the San Antonio Spurs on the day of the deadline, and all signs point to him being bought out sooner rather than later. The Dallas Mavericks have looked like the frontrunner to sign him due to his close friendship with Luka Dončić.
However, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday that the Lakers are among a slew of teams expected to make a run at the former Most Improved Player.
Over the past two seasons with the Miami Heat prior to this year, Dragić provided a sizeable spark off the bench by averaging 14.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
Numbers like that could help the Lakers tremendously right now amidst their season-long struggles at the position, as the former All-Star would bring solid scoring, shooting, and facilitating.
Dragić would certainly not overtake Westbrook at the point guard rotation, but he would be a more natural fit in lineups alongside LA’s top stars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LA head coach Frank Vogel has repeatedly benched Westbrook late in games this season due to his erratic play, and having a piece like Dragić available could help make that an easier decision.
Although there are some questions about how the 35-year-old will play after appearing in just five games this season before being traded, the Los Angeles Lakers should be willing to take the risk.