The Los Angeles Lakers have been playing a lot better since their 2-10 start, but they clearly are missing one or two pieces to get them to the next level.
Their depth at the forward position is suspect, and it stuck out like a sore thumb in their heartbreaking 122-118 loss on Tuesday to the Boston Celtics.
One forward who has been available for a while is Phoenix Suns veteran Jae Crowder. He hasn’t played this season, and the Suns have been looking to move him. The Lakers are believed to be one of the teams interested in him.
Via Bleacher Report:
“The 32-year-old forward, who was disappointed Phoenix wouldn’t give him an extension, has been missing in action all season,” wrote Eric Pincus.
“Phoenix was close to sending him to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-way deal with the Rockets. Talks extended to include the Warriors, but nothing came of it. Other teams believed interested include the Heat, Hawks and Lakers.”
Crowder, who is 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, can play both the small forward and power forward positions, which would make him an ideal fit for L.A. He has been known as a tenacious and physical defender, which would fill in the team’s need for someone who can guard the many star and superstar forwards and wings around the NBA.
While he isn’t a great 3-point shooter, he isn’t a bad one either, and he has ample experience. He’s been to the NBA Finals twice.
Crowder makes just over $10 million this season, the final season on his contract, so the Lakers could conceivably acquire him without giving up Russell Westbrook.
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