Though the 2021 free agency period has reached its quiet stage after the Los Angeles Lakers made their essential signings, there are still three guaranteed roster spots left on the 15-man squad.
However, the Lakers reportedly will keep the 15th slot open to maintain roster flexibility moving forward but do want more ball-handling guards and a wing or forward for the other two spots.
Names that have emerged in recent days for the point guard role are Isaiah Thomas, Darren Collison and Mike James.
Now, two more names have popped up, each at different positions.
In Marc Stein’s latest Substack newsletter. the Lakers are considering JaKarr Sampson and Tim Frazier:
“Forward JaKarr Sampson, who spent the past two seasons in Indiana, and veteran guard Tim Frazier are two more free-agent names that have emerged as candidates for the two roster spots that the Lakers plan to fill.”
Sampson, 28, is a six-year veteran who last played for the Indiana Pacers. He’s typically been an energy plug off the bench but doesn’t quite check the boxes for what the Lakers need.
Throughout his career, the 6’7″ forward has averaged 5.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.5 blocks and 0.7 assists while shooting 47.1 percent overall, 20 percent from deep and 67 percent from the free-throw line.
Sampson could fill in Jared Dudley’s role as a small-ball center, but he’s not a proven floor spacer, which is suboptimal for L.A’s needs.
Frazier, 30, has played seven seasons in the NBA but for eight teams. He hasn’t stuck anywhere in his career and has averaged 5.0 points, 4.0 assists and 2.3 rebounds throughout his journey in the league. His career shooting splits of 40.4/32.2/72.8 aren’t the most enticing for the 6’1″ guard.
The Lakers aren’t in a rush to make signings, so there could be more players emerging as candidates as the days progress.
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