The Los Angeles Lakers have had a very poor start to the free agent season, as countless stars and key role players are spurning them for other offers. There are not too many options still available, and the team may be forced to overpay for average starters. The organization could choose to try and make a trade, although it is hard to see them parting with certain young assets that they worked so hard to obtain. It would make even less sense for them to use their youth in a trade for a player such as David Lee.

Lee was once a capable All-Star level player, almost a guarantee to get a double-double. He has a very efficient mid-range shot, but he’s also very adept at getting to the rim. He can finish with either hand and is extremely skilled for a big man. He is great off of the pick and roll, and utilizes his passing ability to be a huge threat.

Although he showed that he is still effective on offense in the finals, defensively he is a huge liability. Pairing him with Julius Randle or putting him on the floor with Kobe Bryant and D’Angelo Russell on the perimeter would be a disaster. He would be taking valuable minutes away from Randle and would essentially fill a role similar to Carlos Boozer. He has struggled with injuries and had his starting position taken away from him last season, while also being unable to carve out a consistent bench role with the team.

Lee would give the team a veteran presence who knows what it takes to win and is also a huge expiring contract. There is the possibility that the Golden State Warriors might really want to clear cap space and offer additional assets for a team to take him. But that is not very likely, as there are other teams out there that could use his skill set and would be willing to part with cheaper contracts to take him for a year. It does not make sense at this point for the Lakers to get desperate and trade a valuable asset to get Lee, who would essentially be a one-year rental and would not necessarily make the team any better.