NBA Trade Rumors: Kirk Hinrich Perfect Fit for What Lakers Want at PG
Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers knocked off LeBron James and the Miami Heat yesterday in a performance that reminded us how things should be in Lakerland.
Metta World Peace did his best Ron Artest impression and was actually productive in back-to-back games for the first time since late December. In 38 minutes of play, World Peace filled up the stat sheet with 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, four steals and one block.
It was the type of performance that the Lakers have missed for far too long this season. The type of performance that helps—along with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum's combined 27 points and 23 rebounds—take the load off of Kobe's shoulders. The type of performance that reminds us the Lakers' biggest need of all is at point guard.
Derek Fisher and Steve Blake split point guard duties and combined for seven points, seven assists and five turnovers. They weren't terrible, but they do nothing truly positive for the team either.
L.A. knows they need an upgrade at the point, and there are several players they've zeroed in on. But one player in particular is a perfect fit for what they need.
According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld, the Lakers have been pursuing Kirk Hinrich yet again:
"Los Angeles has also been pursuing Kirk Hinrich in recent weeks. The Lakers have been linked to Hinrich in the past and the Atlanta Hawks would move the veteran point guard if the right deal came along. The two teams have had conversations in recent weeks.
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Hinrich is slowly coming on after missing the first month of the season with a shoulder injury, but his skills are well known to the Lakers.
In Mike Brown's system, his length, defensive prowess on the perimeter and ability to manage almost any offense is all L.A. needs.
They don't need a slashing scorer or a penetrating assist man; all they need is a defender who won't turn the ball over.
For his career, the 6'4" guard averages 12.8 points, 5.5 assists 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 41 percent shooting. His three-point attempts per game have gone down in recent years, but he can make you pay if you leave him open from beyond the arc.
Hinrich wouldn't be expensive and wouldn't come lofty expectations either.
Small forward is a concern, but not on the same level as at the point. We should expect to see the Lakers make a small move or two in the next 10 days—nothing crazy—and if Hinrich is one of them, it would be a big boost for this ball club.
