Former Knicks guard eyes LA Lakers spot & NBA comeback after G League stint
The LA Lakers could make moves before the trade deadline to bolster their lineup. LA is on a three-game winning run and has won four of its last five games, but it has been inconsistent. After back-to-back wins against the Sacramento Kings, it holds a 16-12 record, sixth in the Western Conference.
While Rob Pelinka could be planning to make major moves, the Lakers general manager could also add depth to the rotation. A former New York Knicks guard, after playing in the G League, hoped Pelinka and other NBA executives would consider him.
Dennis Smith Jr., on “The OGs Show” advertised himself for a potential NBA comeback:
“Anybody could use a dawg. I be thinking the Spurs, you know, 'cause they in the mix right now. I think the Spurs, Minnesota, Miami, obviously. … You don’t even know all the work I’ve been putting in the summer, but if we went just off what I was doing last year, like, I think I could come in and make a real contribution, or the Lakers, too."
The No. 9 pick in the 2017 NBA draft played for six teams in seven seasons before his stint with the Wisconsin Herd in the G League. He last played for the Brooklyn Nets last year, averaging 6.6 points, 3.6 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.
Teams looking for a veteran combo guard could be interested in him.
LA Lakers are fixtures in trade rumors
The LA Lakers have been in win-now mode with LeBron James in the lineup. As the team continues to have a roller-coaster ride, NBA insiders predict Rob Pelinka will tinker with the roster again.
Jonas Valanciunas, Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith were the hottest names involved in Lakers trade talks. Any of the three can upgrade JJ Redick’s roster but nothing concrete has happened yet.
Recently, reports emerged that the Washington Wizards are listening to offers for Kyle Kuzma. As a former James teammate in Hollywood, the Lakers were inevitably part of trade rumors.
As the LA Lakers have more pressing needs than acquiring a piece for rotational depth, Dennis Smith Jr. would likely have to wait. If LA shows interest in the former Knicks guard, it might happen after more significant moves have been made.