Lakers Named Potential Suitor for 6-Time All-Star Forward

The Los Angeles Lakers don’t have too many opportunities heading to the trade deadline, but they can definitely take part in the buyout market.
The team has an incredibly deep roster this season. General manager Rob Pelinka may still add a talented veteran to increase the team’s chances to win another title. Blake Griffin is a good option for the team. ESPN reported that the veteran is “working hard through a resolution on his playing future” with his current team. Will the Detroit Pistons let him go? Are the Lakers a good suitor for Griffin?

“After extensive conversation with Blake’s representatives, it has been determined that we will begin working to facilitate a resolution regarding his future with the team that maximizes the interests of both parties,” Pistons general manager Troy Weaver told ESPN. “We respect all the effort Blake has put forth in Detroit and his career and will work to achieve a positive outcome for all involved.”

Griffin is already planning his future. He is trying to get the best deal at the moment.

“I am grateful to the Pistons for understanding what I want to accomplish in my career and for working together on the best path forward,” he told ESPN.

Griffin was one of the most explosive NBA players before sustaining all those injuries. Last season, Griffin played just 18 games with the Pistons. Nothing changed this season. The six-time All-Star is averaging 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game with the Pistons this season.

The Lakers are a great suitor for Griffin despite his injuries

There’s one major problem. Griffin will earn $36.5 million this season and $39 million next year and he also has a player option. Add this to his dip in production and you get a really tough deal. Griffin is not an intriguing player for NBA teams at this point. If the veteran hits the buyout market, he will have plenty of options to choose from.

Joe Vardon from The Athletic sees LA as an option.

“From a salary perspective, there is no ‘best fit.’ There is no contender with the cap space to take him on without surrendering role players they need,” Vardon wrote. “If a buyout could be reached, I think the Lakers could maybe, potentially, be an OK fit, insofar as LeBron is the tide that lifts so many boats. Perhaps he could be coaxed by Frank Vogel, LeBron and Anthony Davis to at least think about occasionally rolling to the rim.”

Let’s not forget that Griffin played seven years with the Clippers. If he accepts a pay cut and a ring, LA is the best shot for him.