KEY POINTS

  • Darren Collison prefers an NBA return with the Los Angeles Lakers
  • Collison’s conditioning raises questions
  • The Lakers are unlikely to prioritize Collison due to a stacked backcourt

Darren Collison is a proven player in the NBA, and most were shocked by his decision to retire in 2019.

Collison was one of the select names to be linked to the Los Angeles Lakers when word got out he was considering to come out of retirement.

Before he announced his retirement, Collison was someone who could have bend angled contracts roughly about $10 million.

Now, he is hoping to return and is likely to get about only a minimal portion of that amount.

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Collison prefers to specifically join the Lakers. He had a good chance at getting a spot along with Mike James and Isaiah Thomas when they were all worked out.

But all that changed when the Lakers welcomed back Rajon Rondo to the fold.

Given that the Lakers already have Rondo, Russell Westbrook and Kendrick Nunn, Collison may end up more time on the bench.

Darren Collison
Darren Collison #2 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 17, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

His experience and talent are notable. But considering he has been out of action, it will be interesting if he can still show that old form.

Collison owns NBA career averages of 12.5 points, 5.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds, but these are numbers he may no longer be able to put up.

He last suited up for the Indiana Pacers during the 2018-19 season, norming 11.2 points, 6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds.

The best he can hope for is a training camp invite or a non-guaranteed contract. For now, that is all Collison can hope for if he is truly bent on making an NBA return.

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