The Lakers not only need a point guard, but they’re becoming desperate.
With Steve Nash still sidelined with a leg injury, and his status very much unclear at this point, the Lakers are believed to be considering free-agent options. Among those options is Delonte West, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.
The Lakers are reportedly weighing the pros and cons of creating a roster spot for West, who was released by the Mavericks in October following two separate team-imposed suspensions.
West undoubtedly has the talent to play in the NBA. Capable of playing at both the one or the two, West has been a solid contributor when healthy. However, in addition to injury woes, West has been plagued by some off-the-court issues throughout his career, and they may actually stem from his battle with bipolar disorder.
The 29-year-old guard averaged 9.6 points and 3.2 assists in 24.1 minutes per game over 44 contests with the Mavericks last season. He has also spent time with the Celtics, Cavs and Sonics over the course of his eight-year NBA career.
Stein reports that the Lakers could also take a look at Mike James and Jonny Flynn while exploring free-agent point guard options, although West might be atop their Christmas list. Los Angeles would have to trim its roster either way, though, as it’s currently full with 15 players.
No firm decisions made yet but Lakers, I’m told, ARE weighing pros and cons of creating roster spot to sign Delonte West to ease PG crisis
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 12, 2012
Sense I get is that D-West, widely regarded as top available PG, is at the top of Lakers’ list … but word is they’ll indeed look around
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 12, 2012
Two other available PGs that I have to believe Lakers will look at in addition to exploring trade options: Mike James and Jonny Flynn
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 12, 2012
