NBA Rumors: 3 Player Rentals Who Can Bring More Firepower To Lakers

Like most teams, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to skim the NBA free-agent market for added firepower. They do have one open roster spot, but the question now is: what kind of player do they need?

Right now, the buzz is that the purple and gold may look for a center to help buy Anthony Davis some time. Then again, the Lakers could use some more outside shooting to help their quest for another NBA title. Here are some potential targets they may consider heading into the NBA trade deadline set for March 25.

Denzel Valentine

If the Lakers want to add someone young who can come off the bench and shoot, Denzel Valentine from the Chicago Bulls could be intriguing. He has played 24 games this season averaging 8.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists, but more importantly, owns a respectable 37.3% shooting clip from beyond the arc.

He owns a $4.6 million contract until the end of the year with the Bulls before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Given that the Lakers are working on a tight budget, he could be a sensible target.

Wayne Ellington

Wayne Ellington is no stranger to the Los Angeles Lakers, having played there during the 2014-15 season. He has since bounced from one team to another and is currently with the Detroit Pistons.

In 22 games, he has averaged 10.6 points 1.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 23 .6 minutes of action. He also owns a good 42.3% shooting clip from beyond the arc and 53.7% from the field. He is in a bit of a slump as of late, but a change of scenery could help him get back into the groove.

The 33-year-old holds a contract worth $2.5 million that runs until the end of the year. Like Valentine, he could be a plausible rental for the Lakers until the end of the 2020-21 NBA season.

Alec Burks

Alec Burks is a young prospect from the New York Knicks whom the Lakers may consider. He has been averaging a decent 11.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists — clearly someone head coach Frank Vogel would love to have. Add to that the fact that he owns a 40.9% shooting clip from beyond the arc and 37.8% from the field.

As for the financial side, Burks owns a one-year deal with the Knicks and will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2020-21 NBA season. Though a bit more expensive, Burks could be a potential long-term investment if he turns out well.