The Los Angeles Lakers now have to look to the buyout market for support in the closing minutes of the season after failing to make any moves at the trade deadline. They did add Spencer Dinwiddie, a seasoned point guard who has improved greatly in his first two games. To survive the season, the Lakers could use an additional body, though. They have been sidelined on the court due to various injuries they have sustained throughout the year. The buyout market has some solid names, and more guys might become available in the future. Depending on how things work out, two names from the Los Angeles Clippers, an inter-city rival, may end up on the buyout market.
That would be guard Bones Hyland and seasoned forward PJ Tucker. Hyland would be a good addition, but if the Lakers could get Tucker, he would be a real game-changer.
After being traded to Los Angeles, Tucker has played in just 12 games for the Clippers, a decrease in playing time. Even though his career is coming to an end, he can still play a valuable role for a group. Even though the Clippers win, he is not happy with the team. Tucker is probably aware that he is running out of time to play and is eager to give it his all.
Tucker could add strength to the Lakers’ lineup by becoming another capable rebounder and defender. Despite never being a prolific scorer in his career, he still performs all the small tasks that a team requires. The Lakers might want to give him a look if he were to be released. He has, however, behaved a little less than professionally in how he has handled this situation with the Clippers.
If he were to lose his minutes, the Lakers might not want to handle everything. If he were to ever join the team, though, there would need to be an open dialogue from the start.
