With the Los Angeles Lakers not making any moves at the trade deadline, they are now left with searching the buyout market for help down the stretch. They did bring in veteran point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, who has looked like a big upgrade in his first two games.
However, the Lakers could use another body to help them get through the season. They have been hit with different injuries all year, which has caught up with them on the court. There are some good names on the buyout market, and more guys could become available. Two names from the inter-city rival Los Angeles Clippers could end up on the buyout market, depending on how things shake out.
That would be veteran forward PJ Tucker and guard Bones Hyland. Hyland would be a decent add, but Tucker would be a true game-changer if the Lakers had a chance to add him.
Tucker has lost his minutes within the Clippers, only playing in 12 games since being traded to Los Angeles. He is toward the end of his career, but can still be an effective role piece for a team. He is very unhappy with the Clippers despite the team winning. Tucker likely realizes that he doesn’t have much more time to play and wants his chance to give what he has left.
Tucker could bring physicality to the Lakers, adding another good defender and rebounder. He has never been a big scorer throughout his career but does all the little things that a team needs. If he were to get released, the Lakers may want to take a look at him. However, the way he has handled this situation with the Clippers has been a little unprofessional.
The Lakers may not want to deal with everything if he were to lose his minutes. But a clear discussion would need to be had early on if he ever joins the team.
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