Since the beginning of free agency the Lakers have been one of the more quiet teams around the league. This doesn’t come as a surprise as GM Rob Pelinka said leading up to it that the team would be “very strategic” in retaining their cap space for 2018. But with the lack of shooters and guards on the team, any additions would likely be to fill those spots. And according to Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders, it looks like they have interest in Miami HEAT guard Dion Waiters.
Los Angeles Lakers have a meeting with free agent guard Dion Waiters tonight, a league source told Basketball Insiders.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 3, 2017
With just over $17 million dollars in cap space for this offseason after waiving Tarik Black, the team is likely looking to give Waiters a good chunk of that money on a one-year deal. In Miami, Waiters was able to spark a miraculous late season streak that had the HEAT on the cusps of a playoff birth after starting the season 11-30. The 25-year old would bring the ability to create shots for himself and others as he added playmaking to his game last season. In 46 games last season, Waiters averaged 15.8 points, 4.3 assists, and shot 39.5% from the three point line which would be easily the highest percentage on the Lakers.
It was reported after the end of the regular season that the HEAT were worried that the Lakers would be interested in Waiters and they were looking to keep him but did not want to overpay.
If this winds up as Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson’s first signing with the Lakers front office, it would help the team greatly on the court next season.
2 thoughts