The Los Angeles Lakers were expected to be aggressive in the NBA buyout market after having a quiet trade deadline. There has been a lack of available talent for them to pursue but even names like Goran Dragic and Tristan Thompson opted to sign elsewhere.
In an effort to add another shooter, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the Lakers intent to waive DeAndre Jordan to open a roster spot to sign DJ Augustin.
With Kendrick Nunn contuing to remain sidelined as he recovers from a bone bruise, the Lakers could use another backcourt option that can bring spot-up shooting and stable ball handling. Los Angeles attempted to utilize Rajon Rondo in his return to the team earlier in the season but ultimately moved on from him.
Through 60 games, the Lakers have produced a poor 0.941 points per possession (PPP) in spot-up plays. Their output has been less efficient than all NBA teams other than the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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The Rockets no longer needed to keep DJ Augustin on their roster this season with the team still being in a rebuild. The 34-year-old guard was signed to an expiring contract and was waived earlier in the season. Now, he will have a chance to play with the Lakers and show his value.
A career 38.0 percent three-point shooter, Augustin appeared in 34 games with the Rockest this season and provided averages of 5.4 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 15.0 minutes per game.
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DJ Augustin is far from a long-term answer for the Los Angeles Lakers’ backcourt rotation. The goal is for him to help be one reliable option coming off the bench—reducing one of the many issues the team faces.
Moving on from DeAndre Jordan is a decision the Lakers have needed to make for quite some time. He’s been a poor contributor for the last few years of his career defensively after that being a calling card.
