Lakers Rumors: Free agent options to replace Nick Young

P.J. Tucker

With Brandon Ingram seemingly being the future of the Lakers, Los Angeles may not look to bring in another scorer off the bench like Young was, instead, bringing in a physical guy that can play good defense and grab some rebounds. The Lakers currently lack a lockdown, hard-nosed defender and Tucker could bring some of that physicality to the Lakers bench.

While Tucker is not a fantastic defender and certainly isn’t a Tony Allen, he would be a great option behind Ingram, who sometimes lacks that physicality. Last season, coming primarily off the bench, Tucker was able to haul in 5.8 rebounds per game and record 1.4 blocks. With Tucker only being six-foot-six, these are great numbers off of the bench.

While his 6.7 points per game may not be all that appealing, it is apparent that the Lakers would not be bringing him in to score. With the team likely drafting a guard, Jordan Clarkson will be forced to the bench and will be the primary scorer of the second unit. Tucker does not need to battle with Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr for scoring.

Overall, with Lakers rumors of Paul George and even possibly Lebron James one day joining the mix, it may be wise for the Lakers to bring in a cheap one year option. Tucker only made $5.3 million last year, so he evidently would not break the bank for the Lakers.