An NBA executive told Evan Massey of NBA Analysis Network that the Los Angeles Lakers should sign Blake Griffin, who is an unrestricted free agent.
“Blake Griffin is still out there and I think his best fit is the Lakers,” the NBA exec said. “He would be a perfect depth addition for L.A.”
Griffin appeared in 41 games last season for the Boston Celtics. The six-time NBA All-Star averaged 4.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 48.5% from the field, 34.8% from beyond the arc and 65.6% from the free-throw line.
The 34-year-old Griffin has career NBA averages of 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 765 games with the Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets and Celtics. The Oklahoma product is no longer a superstar in the NBA, but he can still provide quality minutes as a reserve.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Blake Griffin & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals in four games. The team is expected to start D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Anthony Davis next season. General manager Rob Pelinka was busy in free agency this summer, as he signed Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes.
NBA writer Ben Stinar of Sports Illustrated urged the Lakers to sign Griffin, who is familiar with the Los Angeles area since he played for the Clippers.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Blake Griffin & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
“Griffin has transitioned well into becoming a veteran off the bench,” Stinar wrote. “He could still be a reliable backup forward and help the young players on the roster as a mentor in the locker room. The best tenure of Griffin’s career came while playing with the Los Angeles Clippers. He played eight seasons in Los Angeles, so he is familiar with the city and Crypto.com Arena. In addition, the Lakers do not have the cap space to sign a player for more than the veteran’s minimum, and that is likely the kind of deal Griffin will land.”
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
