The Los Angeles Lakers will have to look for another candidate to fill up its playmaking void after Darren Collison reportedly decided to stay retired. The 32-year-old had previously announced his desire to make an NBA comeback, but plans have apparently taken a different turn.
According to a report by Adrian Wojnarowski, the 21st pick of the 2009 NBA Draft felt the timing was a bit off. Collison drew heavy interest from the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, with both teams trying to shore up their roster for the coming NBA playoffs. As things stand now, both Los Angeles-based squads will have to skim the free-agent market for other available talents.
Collison last suited up for the Indiana Pacers before making a surprise announcement to retire before the 2019-20 NBA wars. He holds career averages of 12.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 708 games per Basketball-Reference.com. Last season, he normed 11.2 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 76 games.
The Lakers were the favorites to get Collison before the sudden turn of events. Had the deal pushed through, it would have been a sensible return since he would be reunited with former Pacers coach Frank Vogel.
The name of Dion Waiters has been floated recently after the 28-year-old guard was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies. Waiters was not much of a factor this season, playing in only three games for the Miami Heat before getting traded. He produced 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists.
Worth noting here is that while Waiters is a guard, he hardly fits the point guard role the Lakers need. He is comfortable at the shooting guard position. Hence, the Lakers could have another offensive option in Waiters, but their playmaking duties remain unresolved. If the exploratory talks end well, LeBron James will have to play the point heading into the playoffs.
With Collison opting to stay retired, the Lakers may also be monitoring the buyout market. So far, only Isaiah Thomas has been bought out by the Los Angeles Clippers. There is also Wayne Ellington of the New York Knicks, who could be available soon. According to the New York Post, the 11-year veteran may request a buyout so he can join a playoff-bound team. But like Waiters, the 32-year-old is also a natural shooting guard, hardly addressing their playmaking need.
There is also a chance the Lakers could stick with their roster and not get anyone else. The Lakers would need to cut someone from the roster to make room for a new face. But this is if that incoming talent is better than what Vogel has to work with right now.
