The Los Angeles Lakers are in need of multiple reinforcements up and down their roster.
With Russell Westbrook exercising his player option to remain with the team, the backcourt could use a bit of help.
Kendrick Nunn has also opted into his option year to stay with the Lakers, but Malik Monk will be a free agent, and Talen Horton-Tucker still hasn’t panned out much.
Reportedly, the Lakers may look to acquire Coby White, a 6-foot-5, 22-year-old guard who is currently with the Chicago Bulls.
Via Lakers Daily:
“With whispers getting louder that Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook is likely staying on the team heading into the 2022-23 season, rival executives are saying that Chicago’s Coby White could be a target for the team.
“‘The Lakers could also look to acquire players via trade, with rival executives believing Chicago’s Coby White could be a target,’ wrote Dan Woike. ‘Moving Talen Horton-Tucker, a player whose ball-dominant skills are viewed by rival scouts as being redundant with the Lakers’ stars, could be a way to upgrade to suit the Lakers’ needs.'”
White would be an interesting get for an L.A. team that needs accurate 3-point shooting, youth, athleticism and effective defense from its guards and wings.
The North Carolina native averaged 12.7 points in 27.5 minutes a game this year while shooting 38.5 percent from 3-point range.
His career average of 3.5 assists in 28.5 minutes per contest also suggests some ballhandling and playmaking ability.
White is due to make about $7.4 million next season, which will be the final year of his current contract.
