Mitch Kupchak, General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, knows what he is doing. As a Lakers fan I am thrilled with the near miracle he just pulled off when he brought Steve Nash to Tinseltown.
But sometimes even the best can use a hand.
So, Mitch, here is a small, unsolicited suggestion - trade for Jimmer Fredette!
According to ESPN.com's entertaining NBA Trade Machine, the Lakers and Kings could swing a straight-up trade involving Jimmer Fredette and Josh McRoberts. While this trade alone would not put the Lakers in the finals or the Kings in the playoffs, it would improve both teams.
Why Jimmer Fredette to the Lakers Makes Sense
The Lakers have no depth off the bench at the point guard or shooting guard positions. Steve Blake has been uninspiring during his two seasons in L.A. while Kobe Bryant has no legitimate backup at shooting guard.
Conversely, the Kings have a glut at the guard position. Sacramento currently has Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton, Aaron Brooks, Isaiah Thomas, and Jimmer Fredette who all need and deserve minutes. There is no way the Kings can keep all five guards happy next year.
The Lakers' lack of depth on the perimeter relegated Los Angeles to 25th in the NBA in 3-point shooting in 2012 at a pathetic 32.6%.
Jimmer Fredette could help the Lakers in a reserve role by providing a much-needed 3-point threat to stretch the defense. Fredette's 36.1% from 3-point range as a rookie in 2012 was better than the individual percentages of all four Lakers who led the team in 3-point attempts.
2012 3-Point Shooting - Jimmer Fredette vs. Lakers' 3-PT Attempt Leaders
Jimmer Fredette, SAC - 36.1% (78 of 216)
Steve Blake, LAL - 33.5% (53 of 158)
Matt Barnes, LAL - 33.3% (46 of 138)
Kobe Bryant, LAL - 30.3% (87 of 287)
Metta World Peace, LAL - 29.6% (56 of 189)
The veteran Lakers team would also give Jimmer the ideal environment to develop and improve as a processional. Imagine what Fredette could become being tutored by Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash in Los Angeles instead of by "leaders" like DeMarcus Cousins and Tyeke Evans in Sacramento.
Playing for the Sacramento Kings is about the worst possible scenario for Jimmer Fredette, and Los Angeles would give him the ideal environment to develop.
Why Josh McRoberts to the Kings Makes Sense
While Sacramento has a glut of guards, their depth chart in the paint needs help.
After the dominant but unpredictable DeMarcus Cousins the Kings are relying on an average player in Jason Thompson, an undersized (6'6") Chuck Hayes, and rookie first round pick Thomas Robinson to fill the power forward and center positions.
Josh McRoberts would give depth and productivity to a thin frontcourt in Sacramento.
McRobert's Per-36 Minute career averages of 10.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and his 51.7% field goal percentage underscore his versatility and effectiveness when given the chance to play.
As a Lakers fan I would love to see Jimmer Fredette don the purple and gold. His outside shooting is a skill the Lakers desperately need and he would undoubtedly improve in the veteran environment Los Angeles has to offer.
Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak knows what he is doing.
I just hope his next move is to place a call to Sacramento.
Andrew Sweat is a die-hard Lakers fan. For more from this author, visit Andrew's archive or check these out articles:
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