NBA Rumors: 5 Former Lakers Among Free Agents Playoff-Bound Teams Should Consider

KEY POINTS

Jeremy Lin's NBA return may not be limited to the Golden State Warriors
Dion Waiters and J.R. Smith could be worth considering for NBA playoff-bound teams
Michael Beasley could add more scoring punch off the bench for NBA teams

NBA teams bound for the playoffs know they have spots to fill, and some may resort to the free-agent market. Depending on the team, some players could fit in nicely. Most are veterans waiting in the wings and may be able to revive their basketball career if given the chance.

Here are several players who may get a new NBA lease even if it is a short-term pact. They are familiar names, and some have the NBA championship experience that could enrich any NBA team.

Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin believes that he still has something to offer teams if he is given a chance. The 32-year-old could have opted to play in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) but preferred to pursue his NBA dream. He went through the G-League and remains in waiting. The Golden State Warriors were seen as a plausible landing spot, but nothing has materialized to this day.

Lance Stephenson

One of the no-nonsense players to play in the NBA is Lance Stephenson. The 30-year-old was reportedly working out with the New York Knicks with hopes of landing a spot. His pesky defense and offensive ability are two things that could help any team.

Aside from the Knicks, there is no telling if other teams would take a second look at the 6-foot-6 cager who has had a rollercoaster ride. He last played for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018-19 NBA season before moving to the CBA.

Dion Waiters

Someone who has been left out of the cold is Dion Waiters. He last played for the Los Angeles Lakers and was part of the 2020 NBA champion squad. However, he has had no luck signing with a new team since then despite showing that he can be a potent scoring threat off the bench. Could that change in the coming weeks?

J.R. Smith

A controversial but tested wing player is someone who could get a call from teams in need of a veteran and scorer. J.R. Smith was also part of the Lakers that won the 2020 NBA Finals but has since been left out.

There is no telling what kind of condition the two-time NBA champion is in. Regardless, he can be of help to some teams with open roster spots at least until the end of the current season.

Michael Beasley

Another former Laker is Micheal Beasley. Although he has been criticized for his style of play, it is a given that the second overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft can light up the scoreboard when he is given the opportunity. His last NBA stint was with the Lakers during the 2019-20 NBA season before moving to the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the CBA.