The Los Angeles Lakers have just one open roster spot left, and many have been wondering why the organization has been taking so long in order to fill it.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Lakers are hoping that the Memphis Grizzlies buy out three-time champion Andre Iguodala, so they can sign him.
“They have a roster they feel happy about,” said McMenamin. “They feel good about the way they were able to build post-Kawhi [Leonard], getting Danny Green, getting a guy like DeMarcus Cousins, bringing back some continuity from last year. But leaving a spot open to potentially get Andre Iguodala if he is bought out of his $17.2 million deal. We’re talking about a former Finals MVP, a guy who was repped by the Lakers’ GM Rob Pelinka when he was an agent, and a guy who as recently as Game 6 in the NBA Finals dropped 22 points, almost forcing a Game 7 back in Toronto. They feel he can be an X-factor type of guy to add with the group they already have.”
Iguodala would be the perfect addition to an already deep Lakers squad. During last year’s Finals, he averaged 9.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. Not only that, but he was also regularly tasked with guarding the other team’s best players. The veteran will bring a defensive toughness and veteran leadership to a well-balanced Lakers squad.
