The Lakers continue to look for potential diamonds in the rough in free agency as they are reportedly interested in guard Ryan Rollins.
In signing Jake LaRavia, the Lakers went an unexpected route to replace the production lost by Dorian Finney-Smith this offseason. For a franchise that has a history of finding diamonds in the rough in the draft, the signing had a similar feeling to it: taking an overlooked free agent and elevating him into a bigger role.
That same mindset could be applied to another player the Lakers are reportedly interested in this offseason. After being waived by the Bucks, the Lakers are one of many teams keeping tabs on Ryan Rollins, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Coming off the best season of his career, 23-year-old free agent guard Ryan Rollins has drawn interest from the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told HoopsHype.
Rollins spent last season with the Bucks after bouncing around early in his career from Golden State to Washington before landing in Milwaukee. As part of their…ambitious offseason plans, the Bucks rescinded Rollins’ qualifying offer to gain more cap space.
As noted in the report, the Bucks remain interested in him and hold his Early Bird Rights, meaning they can go over the cap to re-sign him. And given their complete lack of guard options, it’d be fair to assume that’s an intriguing place to go.
Last season, Rollins had a bit of a breakout year, playing in 56 games and scoring 6.2 points in 14.6 minutes per contest. He knocked down 40.8% of his 3-point attempts and is a career 41.4% shooter from range in his career.
The 6’2” guard can play off the ball, which could make him intriguing in an offense that will be built around Luka Dončić and LeBron James. With a wingspan of 6’9.75”, he also presents an intriguing defensive archetype, too.
As things stand right now, the Lakers do not have any open roster spots. However, waiving Shake Milton’s non-guaranteed deal feels likely, opening up financial room to make a signing along with that roster spot.
Rollins is certainly a different name to be mentioned as a potential signing, but one that could further the Lakers’ offseason trend of finding those diamonds in the rough.
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