NBA Rumors: Lakers May Only Get Pacers Displaced Guard Via Buyout

The Los Angeles Lakers do not have the luxury of finances, meaning the only way they may take in more players is by offering minimum deals.

A new name has been mentioned in the rumor mill in Jeremy Lamb of the Indiana Pacers.

The 29-year-old swingman has fallen down the pecking order of the Pacers, and the Lakers are allegedly showing interest in him--the Indianapolis Star reported.

However, the Lakers are not the only team linked to Lamb. The Charlotte Hornets were also mentioned although squeezing in the 6-foot-5 player into the fray is a bit intriguing.

With Caris LeVert, LaMelo Ball and 13th overall pick Chris Duarte in tow, Lamb’s fit into the system of head coach James Borrego raises some questions.

The case is different for the Lakers. The team continues to find free agents who can back up its star-studded lineup. However, the only issue for them is that they are pressed for cash.

Lamb is due $10.5 million this coming season, the final year of his contract with the Pacers. Even before the alleged interest of the Lakers and Hornets was raised, the 12th overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft was someone the Pacers planned to move.

Given that scenario and if the Lakers do pursue Lamb, the only way seen for him to head to Los Angeles next season is if he gets bought out by the Pacers. The franchise is already over the salary cap and can only offer any player a minimum deal.

Lamb owns career averages of 10.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. Aside from that, he holds a decent shot from the field at 44.4% and 34.4% from the three-point region.

While those are numbers that the Lakers could surely use, there is the question of Lamb’s health.

Lamb suited up in only 36 games last season due to a knee injury. Before that, he also suffered an ACL and meniscus injury in February 2020.

With their aging lineup, the last thing the Lakers need for the 2021-22 NBA season is another player who may not last the long haul.

Although Lamb would likely get spot minutes behind main stars like Russell Westbrook and LeBron James, head coach Frank Vogel needs players who are ready when their number is called.