The Los Angeles Lakers came out of the NBA trade deadline without an addition, while the Los Angeles Clippers made a big move. Fortunately, the Lakers might now be emerging as the favorite to sign free-agent guard Darren Collison.
Collison, who surprisingly retired in June, is eyeing a return to the NBA and has reportedly looked at the Lakers and Clippers. Now with the Clippers landing Isaiah Thomas, the Lakers are reportedly seen as the favorite to sign Collins if he returns, per The New York Times’ Marc Stein. In fact, Collison reportedly preferred to sign with the Lakers even before Thursday, per The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor.
The 31-year-old grew up in California and played at UCLA for four seasons. Now with the Lakers in greater need of depth and potential scoring, Collison could be just the player the Lakers need. He averaged 11.2 points, six assists and 1.4 steals per game during the 2018-’19 season with the Indiana Pacers.
While it might take Collison some time to get back into NBA-caliber shape, he would certainly be ready for a playoff run if he ultimately signs with the Lakers. Best of all for Los Angeles, it held onto forward Kyle Kuzma and can move forward with the 24-year-old forward as a long-term piece.