Lakers Rumors: Seven dark horse free agents to pursue this summer

Tony Allen

How could Tony Allen not be on this list?

After establishing himself as a legitimate defender during his time in Memphis, the shift to New Orleans has been interesting, to say the least.

This is his 14th season in the league, so he’d be coming in as a veteran guard, but he is still putting up good enough numbers that he could be a difference maker for the Lakers. Outside of his defensive ability, Allen averages 4.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game this season, with a career average, in terms of points, hovering around eight per night.

He has only averaged double digits in scoring once in his career, back when he was a member of the Boston Celtics during the 2006-2007 campaign. That being said, the Lakers would strictly invest in him for two reasons — the first is his ability to defend well, followed by the fact that they are going to need a veteran presence moving forward.

It is no secret that the Lakers and Luol Deng will be parting ways sooner than later, and then after that there really won’t be a leader-like presence in terms of a player on the Lakers. They’ll have all of this young talent, but run the risk of not giving them enough guidance and leadership to do well in their time with the team.

Nobody needs a veteran presence more than Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball. For those reasons, don’t be too surprised if you see Tony Allen’s name pop back up in the off-season and connected to the purple and gold.