NBA Rumors: Reggie Jackson Could Be Intriguing Addition For LA Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have ended up checking out the available NBA free agents in the market as it tries to address its playmaking problems. Darren Collison would have been a perfect fit but most know how the 32-year-old opted to stay retired.

Several names are on the Lakers' list, including J.R. Smith and Dion Waiters. However, both hardly fit the playmaking needs of the purple and gold, meaning the search remains on. Los Angeles continues to monitor the buyout market with several interesting names possibly available soon. That includes Tyler Johnson who was waived by the Phoenix Suns. This was covered in a previous report.

There are more names likely to hit NBA free agency and some NBA writers were exploring possibilities. That included Reggie Jackson of the Detroit Pistons who recently hit headlines with reports of him possibly pursuing a buyout with the Motor City squad. Though he rebuffed the claim to a Pistons beat writer, he could be a fit to head coach Frank Vogel to ease the load off LeBron James.

According to a discussion over at Yardbarker, most see him as a better point guard right now compared to Rajon Rondo. The Lakers would also be able to pay him more plus the fact that the 29-year-old cager gets a chance to win an NBA title. Not only has he proven he can orchestrate well, but Jackson can also hit it from deep when the need arises.

The only thing the Lakers may be concerned about with Jackson is that he is coming off an injury. So far this season, the 6-foot-3 guard has played in just 13 games averaging 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. It appears Jackson has recuperated well from his back injury so his health should not be a big issue for the Lakers.

Nevertheless, Jackson's availability still depends on what Detroit has planned ahead. After dealing away Andre Drummond, it is obvious that the Pistons have decided to go to rebuild mode. There is no telling if they will clean house and deal away veterans for younger players or future picks. Jackson is in the final year of his pact with the Pistons and will be owed $18 million this season. He becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

If bought out, the Lakers could sign him to a short-term lease. And if Jackson performs well, it could lead to bigger deals by the NBA offseason. But first, the Pistons need to waive or buy him out for these things to make sense.