The LA Lakers are interested in signing Metta World Peace and Sebastian Telfair heading into training camp and those deals could come in the next two weeks if Los Angeles ends up bringing in those players. The team has Kobe Bryant healthy heading into camp and the team is excited about the future potential of rookie point guard D'Angelo Russell.
The Lakers have signed Michael Frazier, Jonathan Holmes, Marcelo Huertas and Robert Upshaw heading into camp and the team is reportedly still looking for more depth options. Yahoo Sports reported last month that the team is considering bringing in Metta World Peace and now Michael Scotto at Sheridan Hoops is reporting that Sebastian Telfair also is a target. The Los Angeles Times reported earlier in the summer that the Lakers were looking to add more depth at point guard behind D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson and after signing Huertas, Telfair could be another option.
Scotto reports that the Lakers have "expressed interest" in Telfair, but that "nothing is imminent" regarding a contract. The Lakers signed Huertas from the Euroleague and players like Holmes, Frazier and Upshaw could get the chance to make the roster if they play well in camp and the preseason. The Lakers have room to make some moves, as they have 12 guaranteed contracts on the roster currently heading into camp.
Telfair played a little bit last season with the Thunder, appearing in 16 games and averaging 8.4 points and nearly three assists. Telfair last played before that in 2012 with the Raptors and he could be a good veteran depth option if the Lakers don't want to keep Huertas. Clarkson and Russell both have plenty of talent, but they are young and the Lakers likely will be more comfortable with a veteran that can come off the bench depending on who starts.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported about Peace and that the Lakers were "seriously considering" bringing in Peace as a veteran bench option. Peace reportedly has been working out at the Lakers facility this summer and the team could look at him as a mentor-type for players like Julius Randle and Russell. Randle is coming back from a major injury and he is expected to have his minutes limited and the Lakers are likely looking to have good depth at multiple positions by bringing in more players for camp. Training camp starts September 29 and there is still time for the team to add players before that time.
According to ESPN.com, Bryant has been cleared for all "basketball activities" heading into training camp after dealing with a shoulder injury last season. Bryant played in only 35 games for the Lakers and that came after he missed most of the previous season with another injury. Bryant is 37 and he likely will have his minutes watched by Byron Scott early in the season.
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