While waiting on the big names in LeBron James and DeMarcus Cousins, the Lakers seem to be doing due diligence on a host of role players to potentially place around superstars.
The most recent name to be included in that list is Pacer guard Lance Stephenson, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN in Minnesota.
#Twolves, Knicks, 76ers, Lakers, Pacers, others have registered interest in FA Lance Stephenson. But all of those teams have many other balls up in the air, presumably waiting on others first.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 1, 2018
Stephenson and James have had their fair share of history on the court. However, with the Lakers needing a backup ballhandler and Stephenson having proven to be successful in big moments next to start players, the move makes sense.
Last season, Stephenson averaged 9.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and shot 42.7 percent field goal and 28.9 percent from three in 82 games. Still just 27 years old, Stephenson certainly has plenty of years ahead of him, but it is concerning that he only has had success when playing for the Indiana Pacers.
The move could also be Stephenson and his agent using the Lakers as leverage, something that will likely be a common theme in free agency.
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