The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t make a deal before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. But that doesn’t mean they’re not planning to upgrade their roster before the playoffs.
According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, the Lakers are expected to give a tryout to free-agent guard JR Smith, potentially as early as next week. In addition, Stein reports that the Lakers are the favorites to land veteran guard Darren Collison if he decides to return to the NBA.
The Lakers are expected to give free agent guard JR Smith a post-trade deadline audition (perhaps as soon as next week) and remain favorites to sign Darren Collison if Collison elects to make a comeback to the NBA — in addition to potential pickups on the buyout market
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 6, 2020
However, the Lakers aren’t the only team interested in Collison. According to multiple reports, the Clippers are also interested in adding the veteran guard who last played with the Indiana Pacers during 2018-19. The 32-year-old guard averaged 11.2 points and 6.0 assists in 76 starts for the Pacers last season, but he has yet to decide if he plans to return to the NBA this season.
The Clippers will have two open roster spots once they let go of Isaiah Thomas. Darren Collison remains a target…let's stay tuned for who else gets bought out though. https://t.co/lp5INDASZW
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 6, 2020
Smith played only 11 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season before he requested a trade, which he never received. The 34-year-old guard is a former teammate of LeBron James and was a key piece to the Cavaliers’ championship team in 2016.
