Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
With the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster finally taking shape, sources say the team has reached out to free agent power forward Anthony Tolliver. With some of the Lakers’ big men not fully healthy, Tolliver could provide needed insurance.
Tolliver isn’t a high flyer or a volume shooter, but he is a scrappy and smart player which the Lakers need. Tolliver would bring the ability to defend the paint while also being able to defend perimeter players occasionally. His decent 3-point shooting is another attribute that could give him a good chance to get playing time under Mike D’Antoni‘s system.
Tolliver said talks are still preliminary, but he would definitely be interested if the Lakers turn out to be a serious option. “Obviously, to have a chance to play for a franchise like that, you’d have to think long and hard about that,’’ the forward told FOX Sports Florida.
While the Lakers are still figuring out their roster situation, Tolliver has been talking to a few teams. He recently met with the Charlotte Bobcats, who are the front-runners to sign him.
If Tolliver is signed by the Lakers, he could become a Shane Battier-type player. His knack for taking charges, diving for loose balls and the occasional 3-point shot will definitely help the Lakers if he is signed.
Nugesse Ghebrendrias is a Sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NugasayWhat24, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
