NBA Rumors: Three-Time Sixth Man Of The Year Sending Feelers To Join Lakers

Jamal Crawford may have quietly ended his career by breaking Michael Jordan's old scoring record. Jamal Crawford #11 of the Phoenix Suns in action against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on February 25, 2019 in Miami, Florida. Getty Images/Michael Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers 2019-20 NBA campaign did not exactly get off to a good start. They lost their opening game against the Los Angeles Clippers and the backlash unsurprisingly followed. One person who watched the game is Jamal Crawford. The 39-year-old is one of several top free agents who appear to want to play some more.

Crawford posted on his Twitter account that the Lakers seem to be missing another scoring option. LeBron James and Anthony Davis played well offensively for the Lakers. But somehow, the 8th overall pick of the 2000 NBA Draft feels that they still lack someone who can score. For some, it was an indirect way of selling himself to the Lakers.

Bron and AD are great, like the Lakers shooters, BUT feels like they're missing another scoring creator...
— _ Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) October 23, 2019

The thing with Crawford is that he is not purely a scorer. He can also play the point guard position, a spot that Lakers sorely need. James did the playmaking chores and it appeared to have hurt the Lakers more than helping them. Critics like NBA legend Charles Barkley (via Ben Goliver's Twitter) feels that the Lakers need to play at a faster pace. He believes James should not be that guy bringing up the ball. Rajon Rondo would have helped out but unfortunately did not suit up due to a calf injury.

TNT’s Charles Barkley on Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard vs. Lakers’ LeBron James: “I don’t hesitate. At this point, Kawhi’s a better player than LeBron. He does everything better. He’s a better defender. A better scorer. He’s better at imposing his will on the game.” pic.twitter.com/X3MX00uXZ6
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) October 23, 2019

For some, seeing the Lakers lose their first game should not be a big deal. Los Angeles can bounce back and they do have the resources to do so. It will be interesting if first-year head coach Frank Vogel will make some adjustments. As far as relieving James of playmaking duties, that may not immediately happen in their next outing.

The Lakers are scheduled to host the Utah Jazz on Oct. 25 at the Staples Center. This is another team that Los Angeles cannot take for granted. Though they do have the manpower, Utah can pull off a surprise with its rising young core. If the purple and gold lose again, expect fans to come out and take a swipe at the Lakers.

James is expected to rebound after a subpar outing against the Clippers. Davis needs to do more, same with the other guys on the team. Danny Green showed his offense but others need to step up. That includes Avery Bradley, Dwight Howard, Quinn Cook and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

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