Ben McLemore – Portland Trail Blazers

One of the late-season additions the Lakers made last season was adding Ben McLemore to their bench. In 21 appearances with the Lakers last year, McLemore averaged 8.0 points, 1.6 rebounds and shot 36.8% from three-point range, giving them a boost in terms of perimeter scoring off-the-bench. 

Los Angeles ultimately decided not to sign him to a new minimum deal, resulting in the 28-year-old veteran signing a one-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. So far this season, Ben McLemore has only played in 5 games and is not really being utilized by the Blazers. 

A career 36.3% three-point shooter, Ben McLemore is exactly the kind of player the Lakers hoped they would have on their bench this season, but they are one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league. Wayne Ellington, Kent Bazemore, Malik Monk and Talen Horton-Tucker are all normally good perimeter shooting threats, yet they are all shooting below 35% from deep on the year. 

The Lakers need a “spark” on their bench that can knock down multiple three-point shots a game and Ben McLemore is exactly that kind of player. Maybe he would only play around 15-20 minutes per game like he did a season ago in L.A., but this is better than what they have now and Ben McLemore already knows how they play. 

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If Portland is willing to give him up at the price of someone like Kent Bazemore or Wayne Ellington, the Lakers should be willing to discuss trade options here. 

Verdict: Pursue