KEY POINTS

  • Isaiah Thomas, Darren Collison and Mike James work out with the Lakers
  • The Lakers may bring in more players to fill up the roster for next season
  • James may hold an advantage over Thomas and Collison

The Los Angeles Lakers have at least two available roster spots, and players willing to join on a minimum deal are likely to be considered.

Isaiah Thomas has long been rumored to be one of them, but it appears two other veteran guards are joining him. They are Darren Collison and Mike James.

League sources tell Yahoo Sports that Thomas, Collison and James recently worked out with the Lakers although no signing is imminent. It would be worth noting that all three players are over age 30.

Of the three, James is the only one who saw action last NBA season. He played for the Brooklyn Nets and averaged 7.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 18.2 minutes of action.

Getting another point guard is reportedly a priority of the Lakers, something that Thomas, Collison and James are targeting.

Thomas drew attention recently with his Pro-Am game scoring splurges although this is not what the Lakers immediately need.

Scoring is seen more as a bonus considering the franchise has a stacked roster of stars who can provide offense.

Collison may be a surprise name in the mix considering he retired at the end of the 2018-19 season.

There were rumors about him potentially playing again in 2019-20, but the California native elected to stay retired, citing religious reasons behind it.

While the three names ring a bell, the Lakers may not limit their choices to them. That may all depend on how the Lakers’ training camp goes.

There is a chance that Los Angeles may bring in more players to fill up their open roster spots.

The Lakers have 12 players under guaranteed contracts and are expected to bring in 14 players this coming NBA season.

Each team can carry a maximum of 15 players and a pair of two-way players.

Mike James, #2 of AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milano
Mike James, #2 of AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milano Getty Images | Emanuele Cremaschi

Aside from a point guard to help facilitate plays for the Lakers, the ballclub may consider adding another wing player.

On paper, the Lakers look daunting. Already with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, set to don the purple and gold next season are Russell Westbrook, Malik Monk, Kent Bazemore, Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington, Carmelo Anthony, Kendrick Nunn and Dwight Howard.

However, critics point out the age factor with most being over 30 years old. Durability will be the key if the Lakers eye to win the 2021-22 NBA title.

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