For all the Dwight Howard chatter the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to, their connections to a capable floor general have been virtually non-existent.
Fresh off a loss at the hands of the LeBron James led Miami Heat, the Los Angeles Lakers’ need for a point guard has never been more evident. Los Angeles’ Andrew Bynum is slowly playing his way into stardom, rendering a Howard acquisition anything but a necessity. Obtaining a point guard, however, is still a necessity.
In the Laker’s loss to the Heat, Darius Morris and Derek Fish combined for two points on one of eight shooting from the field. Impressed? Didn’t thinks so.
Even with a healthy Steve Blake, there is a clear hole at the point guard spot. Morris could one day develop into something special, but that’s looking ahead toward the post-Kobe era.
The Lakers need a proven point guard now. While Bryant’s numbers suggest otherwise, he is not going to be around forever, and Los Angeles needs to ensure it can capitalize off of whatever time he has remaining.
Admittedly, the Lakers are thin on assets that could land them a star caliber point guard. That being said, they don’t need a star caliber facilitator, they just need a competent one. And the trade exception acquired in the Lamar Odom trade is a great place to start.
Two potential targets that would be a great fit in Los Angeles’ system are Andre Miller of the Denver Nuggets and Mo Williams of the neighboring Los Angeles Clippers. Both could be available and are players that the Lakers must make a run at.
Miller recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the current backup role he is playing in Denver. While he is 35, the point guard has proved to be ageless. He is extremely durable, adept at breaking down opposing defenses, boasts impeccable court-vision and would be a major upgrade on the defensive end.
If a touch of exuberant youth is the avenue Los Angeles wishes to explore, then the 29-year-old Williams is worth a look. The phrase “exuberant youth” is used loosely here, but keep in mind he is eight years younger than Fisher.
Williams has become a tough and consistent defender, but the offensive end is where he turns the most heads. His ball-handling skills are phenomenal and he has an undeniable knack for distributing the ball effectively. Williams is also an incredible scorer and his decision making has improved a great deal over the past couple years.
The Clippers have an arsenal of point guards on their roster, which has rendered Williams and the two-years and $17 million left on his deal expendable, but the Lakers will have to get creative if they are to pry him away from their Staples Center rivals.
Don’t forget about Miller though. He is just as effective and far from a consolation prize.
As appealing as Howard’s name may be, the Lakers’ vacancy is at point guard. While they are limited in potential additions at this position, they are not yet out of options.
That being said, should Los Angeles fail to acquire a capable backcourt mate for Bryant, they may very well be out of title contention.
Dan Favale is an avid basketball analyst and firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His work can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
