Can Lakers Pay Meeks What He Wants?
How will the Lakers fill out the rest of their bench?
Whoever it is, the Lakers hope they can find a backcourt player who could reduce Kobe Bryant’s minutes and provide needed outside shooting. Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard (Jodie) Meeks could fill that description since the 25-year-old shot in the high 30% range in the past two seasons. Meeks’ agent, David Bauman, said Meeks is on the Lakers’ radar and that of “four or five” other unspecified teams. But Bauman said Meeks’ interest with the Lakers could hinge on a significant variable.
“We’re happy to talk, but we’re not talking minimum for a guy like Jodie,” Bauman told The Times in a phone interview on Monday. “He’ll get more than the minimum wherever he signs.”
The Lakers have a mini mid-level exception worth $3 million, but General Manager Mitch Kupchak said on July 25 that it’s unlikely they’ll use it unless there’s “credible value.” The Lakers were hoping to add players only at the veteran’s minimum worth $1.5 million.
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