FanPost

Under The Radar Accqusitions The Lakers Can Make

Pablo Prigioni

I know a lot of you may be raising your eyebrows at this name. He's a 37 year old point guard who isn't playing on one of the worst teams in the league. Yet, why is his name here? First of all, his basketball IQ is off the charts. He is definitely not a spring chicken anymore, yet he finds a way to be at the right spot at the right time. At 6 foot 3 with a 6 foot 5 wingspan, he's a pesky defender. He will have trouble with the elite guards, but one on one he is not a scrub. Sounds like Ronnie Price? Here's where it gets better: he shoots 41.5 % from downtown and dishes out 6 assists per 36 minutes in his short NBA career. He's a very savvy playmaker, almost always making the right play. He's only owed 1.7 million next year, and he's a free agent after that. With our 1 spot still wide open next year, we can pencil PP as our backup.

The Deal: A top-48 protected future second round pick for Pablo Prigioni

Maurice Harkless

A lanky small forward who's been in Jacque Vaughn's doghouse this season. He translates off the charts athleticism into an excellent defensive effort and opportunistic transition scoring. Last season, he drilled 38.3 % of his triples, albeit in only 1.9 attempts a game. He's a gym rat, often going the extra mile to improve himself. The biggest knock on his game has been a lack of visible effort. His coaches are often befuddled because he looks almost like he's floating sometimes. Some may argue that he just has a smooth game. The mental aspect of his game may need sharpening, but he already has the skills of a starting small forward in the league.

The Deal: Tarik Black and a top 20 protected future first round pick for Maurice Harkless and a future second round pick

James Johnson

The 6-9 combo forward played extremely well until he suddenly didn't play at all. An unbelievable defender who is capable of guarding all 5 positions effectively. An excellent finisher and cutter, he supplements his offensive game by having solid passing ability. It is only unfortunate that he comes from Josh Smith's School Of Shooting. In spite of his shooting deficiencies, his value on both ends of the court is hard to ignore. Toronto needs a backup big man, and that's what we will send their way.

The Deal: Jordan Hill for James Johnson, Landry Fields and a second round pick

John Henson

Reminds me of Ed Davis, with a larger frame. Another former lottery pick who hasn't been able to show his talent. Will put up double-doubles if given 25-28 minutes a night. A good rim protector who swats shots with vigor. Has a well documented problem with fouls and turnovers. Sometimes, he does not have a good feel for the game. Yet, the raw skills are evident, and the Lakers need defense and rebounding in the worst way.

The Deal: Future first round pick and the right to swap second round picks for John Henson

Honorable mentions: Festus Ezeli (7 foot bruiser who can defend and finish at the rim, can be had for next to nothing), Allen Crabbe (3 and D wing prospect. Wayne Ellington and cash would work, due to Portland's need for good bench pieces)