Lakers Rumors: Possible trade targets before the season begins

Jameer Nelson

Jameer Nelson would be a good rental option for the Los Angeles Lakers, filling in as the backup point guard behind Lonzo Ball. As of now, Jordan Clarkson is listed as the pack up point guard on ESPN‘s depth chart, but it is more likely than not that he will make that transition to shooting guard; or be traded.

The cost for Nelson would be nickels and dimes as well for the Lakers, making this a smart move. With only one year left on his contract, the Nuggets will not be able to ask for much from the Lakers. In return for Nelson, the Lakers can send shooting guard Corey Brewer along with a future second round pick.

Los Angeles owns Denver’s second round pick anyways in the 2018 draft. The Lakers can simply send back the Nuggets pick, therefore not losing anything of their own. While some may argue against sending a second round pick away for a veteran with an expiring contract, Nelson would have a much bigger impact than a second rounder would.

Not only would he bring production on the court behind Ball, he could also serve as a mentor to him. Nelson is entering his 11th year in the league, with 11 years comes a whole lot of experience. This experience would help mold Ball into the NBA playstyle. Add in Nelson’s 9.2 points and 5.1 assists primarily off the bench and this seems like a win-win.