NBA Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers Should Steer Clear of Josh Smith

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By @IanClarkMcEwan

 

Josh Smith Looks Up

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

When the Detroit Pistons announced they were waiving embattled Josh Smith, rumors immediately began to fly regarding his eventual destination. The Los Angeles Lakers are a rumored destination for Smith, but they should steer clear.

Smith should no longer be considered a perimeter player. His troubles with his jump shot are well documented, but for the uninitiated, he’s shooting 39 percent from the field this season, 24 percent from three (from where he takes over a shot a game), and 46 percent from the free throw line.

Thus, Smith will have to play power forward for any team that hopes to get his best production. This is the position at which the Lakers have the most depth. With Ed Davis playing the best basketball of his career, Carlos Boozer performing better off the bench, and Ryan Kelly still a part of the team’s future plans despite missing most of this season with a bad hamstring, minutes would not be as easy to come by as it may appear at first glance.

Furthermore, if one were to suggest that either Davis or Boozer play more center, the added defense Smith would bring is now null and void because of the defensive liabilities of playing Boozer or Davis out of position, specifically Boozer.

Let us also not forget that long term, the Lakers have their answer at power forward in Julius Randle, which was made clear by the recent revelation that a trade for Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo fell through because the Lakers refused to include Randle in any trade.

The Lakers would not be a good situation for Smith. They have enough bodies at power forward, are not going to win this season, and do not have the personnel necessary to move players around to make room for Smith.

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