Getty Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons is introduced prior to playing the Philadelphia 76ers at Little Caesars Arena on December 23, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan.
The trade deadline this year will probably be pretty uneventful for the Los Angeles Lakers despite the litany of rumors. The team doesn’t have a lot of tradeable assets and almost no money to spend. A big trade seems unlikely but that doesn’t mean the Lakers won’t make a move or two.
One name to keep an eye on is Detroit Pistons star Blake Griffin. The Lakers were speculated as a possible fit for the six-time All-Star in the past but now they have reported interest. According to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Los Angeles is “monitoring” the situation involving Griffin.
Pistons believed to be leaning toward buyout of Blake Griffin’s over the coming days. Detroit didn’t find preferred trade partner by deadline set by reps of Griffin & Pistons FO. Griffin has a $38.957 million player option on his deal next season. Nets, Lakers, Heat monitoring.
Griffin made his bones in Los Angeles when he was with the Clippers. His star has fallen quite a bit over the last couple of years. He averaged a career-low 15.5 points a game last season. He could set an even lower career-low this season if he continues to average 12.3 points a game. Griffin used to be one of the league’s biggest stars but has been in a steady decline.
UPDATE: According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Griffin has officially agreed to a contract buyout with the Pistons.
Six-time All-Star forward Blake Griffin has agreed to a contract buyout with the Detroit Pistons and will become an unrestricted free agent, sources tell ESPN.
Also, Marc Stein has also confirmed the Lakers have an interest in Griffin.
The Lakers, Clippers, Nets, Heat and Warriors are among the teams that have expressed interest in Blake Griffin when he becomes an unrestricted free agent, league sources say
ALL the latest Los Angeles Lakers news straight to your inbox! Join the Heavy on Lakers newsletter here!
How Much Does Griffin Have Left in the Tank?
It’s easy to look at Griffin and get flashbacks to “Lob City.” He was truly one of the most electrifying players in the NBA for several years. However, those days are long gone. Based on how the last two seasons have gone, it’s reasonable to suggest that Griffin is past his prime.
That said, he’s still just 31-years-old and was an All-Star in 2019. Perhaps playing for a weak Pistons team has gotten the best of him. The Lakers would likely be an amazing landing spot for him to reboot his career. LeBron James is one of the best teammates in the business. It’s easy to see Griffin and LeBron have a quick rapport with each other. If he came back to Los Angeles, he wouldn’t need to be a star. It would almost be like how Dwight Howard went back to the team last season and accepted a role coming off the bench. He ended getting a title in the process. Griffin could want to come ring chase with the Lakers for one season and then get a bigger payday in the offseason.
Do Lakers Really Need Griffin?
While the idea of adding Griffin does bring a level of excitement, the Lakers don’t really need him. Anthony Davis’ leg didn’t fall off. He should be back with plenty of time to spare before the playoffs. The Lakers were already having a hard time giving enough playing time to their current forwards when he was healthy. Adding a player like Griffin might upset Markieff Morris and Kyle Kuzma.
Once Davis returns, the Lakers really wouldn’t have much of a need for the former All-Star. Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with having too much talent but the team has other needs. It would be much wiser for them to find more 3-point shooting or another backup center.
READ NEXT: Insider Details Why Lakers Can’t Trade Key Player
Comments
Lakers Have ‘Expressed Interest’ in Signing 6-Time All-Star: Report