Kofi Inkoom
Blake Griffin still remains an unrestricted free agent in the upcoming NBA season, and according to an executive, he could be a suitable addition for the Los Angeles Lakers roster.
Although the Lakers have made decent signings this offseason, they have a noticeable gap at the center position.
Currently, the team only has one legitimate center on the roster, namely Jaxson Hayes. However, Hayes has had limited playing time in the three seasons he’s been in the league.
While there were rumors of center Christian Wood possibly joining the LA Lakers, that speculation doesn’t seem to be gaining momentum currently. Instead, one executive believes that veteran big man Blake Griffin could step in to fill the void.
Expressing this sentiment, the executive mentioned, “Blake Griffin is still available, and I believe the Lakers would be the ideal fit for him. He could serve as a valuable depth addition to the team.”
At 34 years old, Griffin’s role could vary, ranging from a role player to a backup forward, or even as a positive influence for younger players, providing guidance in the locker room despite limited playing time.
While his defensive contributions might be limited, his high energy and relentless hustle on the court have been remarkably impressive over the last few seasons. This versatile big man is also a capable distributor, which could complement young talents like Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves.
Additionally, adding another experienced veteran to the team could provide valuable support, especially considering that LeBron is currently shouldering much of that responsibility. Even LeBron occasionally needs a break from those leadership duties.
Related Article : Rumor – Griffin Likely To Return To Celtics For Another Season.
Notably, Griffin spent eight seasons with the Clippers, LA’s other team, so he’s familiar with the city’s dynamics. Given the Lakers’ remaining cap space, signing Griffin to a veteran’s minimum contract could be a feasible option.
Last season, the six-time All-Star featured in 41 games with the Celtics, maintaining averages of 4.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from beyond the arc.