Lakers predicted to pursue $5M pure scorer to help Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, waive first-rounder originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are starting to find a groove in their play, and it may be due in large part to Austin Reaves returning. The team has been solid this season, but there is still plenty of room for growth. LA recently signed Kobe Bufkin, seemingly solidifying their roster, though they could still waive a player to make room for a buyout candidate.
“The final technical path would be waiving a two-way contract. Players like Chris Manon or Nick Smith Jr. could be released to reopen a roster slot. This is the only realistic mechanism left that does not involve long-term financial pain, but it also limits the Lakers to minimum contract options,” Fadeaway World’s Vishwesha Kumar wrote.
One name to watch if space is cleared is former Brooklyn Nets young star Cam Thomas.
“Arguably the most intriguing name available, Cam Thomas is an absolute bucket getter who thrives as a spark plug scorer off the bench. He averages 15.2 points per game for his career and there is no doubt what he brings to the table. The concern with Thomas comes with the rest of his game as he has never shown himself to be a consistent playmaker or defender, nor has he ever put up that level of numbers on a contending team. But with the Lakers having one of the worst scoring benches in the NBA, adding Thomas would give the team a major boost in that department,” Lakers Nation’s Corey Hansford wrote.
Thomas was recently released by the Nets.
“The apparently contentious relationship between Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas and the franchise came to an end with the team releasing Thomas, allowing him to enter free agency, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania. Thomas is averaging 15.6 points in 24 games this season (eight starts) after missing 20 games because of a left hamstring strain,” ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill wrote.
The Lakers are eager to improve in any way they can to make a deep playoff run. Adding Thomas would provide significant scoring off the bench and make the roster even deeper.
However, making this move won’t be simple. The front office will face challenges, but Thomas would be a strong pickup, and with him available, it’s hard to imagine the Lakers letting another team claim him.