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Los Angeles Lakers: Making the case for Tristan Thompson if bought out

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past the defense of Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 13, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past the defense of Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 13, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Final thoughts: should the Los Angeles Lakers sign Tristan Thompson?

Tristan Thompson should not be the first guy on the Los Angeles Lakers’ buyout list, but I would not keep that from stopping the Lakers from adding him. The fit might not be perfect and the Lakers might have more pressing needs but that should not stop the team from at least taking a chance, and at the very least, keeping Thompson from the Clippers.

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If the Lakers only have the intention to bring in one buyout option (which, why would that be the intention in the first place) then Thompson absolutely should not be that guy. However, there is nothing stopping the Lakers from adding Thompson and pursuing other options.

The Lakers have just over a quarter of the season to try Thompson in some rotations and see if anything sticks. If not, he can be a valuable rotation piece to keep Howard and McGee fresh as the playoffs roll around.

And then there is the upside of Thompson not only being better than both McGee and Howard but also getting legitimate playoff minutes because of his experience and familiarity with LeBron James.

So if we are heading into the playoffs and we look back at the buyout market and the only name that the Lakers signed was Tristan Thompson then it will feel like a mistake.

Next. What the Lakers need to get past the Clippers. dark

However, it will feel even worse if the Los Angeles Lakers simply pass on him and we instead see him on the Los Angeles Clippers.

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