Khris Middleton has become a very good role player since joining the Milwaukee Bucks after his rookie season. He is an underrated perimeter player who has started garnering more attention for his three point shooting and defensive ability. He will be a restricted free agent this summer, and should be looking for a bigger contract after a relatively successful year. Although the Bucks can match any offer, they already have several talented perimeter players that they will need to pay in the near future, and may not want to match every deal that other teams offer Middleton.

The Los Angeles Lakers should take advantage of this situation and consider offering Middleton this summer. He would fit nicely on the wing into their starting rotation, and would give them a huge boost on both ends of the court. He has become a very good outside shooter, hitting over 40% of his three point attempts the last two seasons. He is more of a catch and shoot player, but this ability to space the floor would help open up lanes for the playmakers on the team. Middleton has also gotten better at finishing in the paint, and has a decent mid-range jump shot off of the dribble.

Defensively, Middleton has finally begun to receive more recognition as one of the better perimeter defenders in the league. He is not as flashy as other players, but plays tough, hard-nosed defense and knows how to keep players in front of him. He has enough size to compete with shooting guards and small forwards, and can even match up with point guards if necessary. He was part of an active Bucks defense that was able to switch off of screens on the perimeter, and he constantly displayed his versatility.

Middleton likely has played his way into a much larger contract, which the Bucks may not be willing to pay this offseason. The Lakers need help on the wing, especially if they decide to take a big man or a point guard early in the draft. Middleton has developed into a quality player, and is still incredibly young. He will continue to get better and has the potential to be a lockdown defender in the future, in addition to his already impressive outside shooting.

 

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