Antawn Jamison Reportedly Close to Deal with L.A. Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are further proving the future is definitely now, as they are reportedly set to add another of the NBA's elder statesmen by bringing Antawn Jamison, 36, into the fold. 

UPDATE: Monday, July 16 at 8:01 p.m. ET by Richard Langford

Yahoo! Sports' Marc J. Spears is reporting that no offer has been made to Jamison by the Lakers, but it still seems as if all signs point to this deal getting done:

"

Free agent Antawn Jamison to talk to @Lakers Tuesday, source said. Vet forward excited to play with Kobe & Nash, but still awaiting offer.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 16, 2012"

Jamison should be excited. He would get a lot of open looks at the bucket if this deal goes down.

With all the news pointing toward this signing becoming a reality, it is likely that the offer is a mere formality. 

However, this is the Lake Show we are talking about. They may be holding off while they finalize a blockbuster trade. Stay tuned. 

------- end of update --------

The Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell tweeted the news: 

"

A source tells me Antawn Jamison will be a Laker.

— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) July 16, 2012"

NBA.com's David Aldridge backs up that info with the following tweet:

"

Source confirms "strong interest" by Jamison in Lakers, says deal not done. Charlotte Observer says Jamison "will" be a Laker, per source.

— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 16, 2012"

Jamison would bring a much-needed scoring punch to a Lakers bench that was last in the league, scoring just 20.5 points per game last season.

The 6'9" Jamison has spent 14 years in the league—the last two with the Cleveland Cavaliers. With a career average of 19.5 points per game, Jamison is a very proven scorer in this league.

Not surprisingly, given his advancing years, Jamison's numbers have begun to taper off. Last season, he averaged 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds. These were both down from the season before, despite playing 0.2 more minutes per game.

The Lakers have yet to re-sign both Matt Barnes and Jordan Hill. Jamison would be a nice fit for the Lakers bench, as he can spend time at either power or small forward.

Jamison, a career 34.6 percent shooter from beyond the arc, would also add a necessary three-point threat to the reserves. This will provide nice floor spacing for the Lakers and limit any team's ability to double up on the Lakers stars.  

However, Jamison is terrible on defense and ineffective in the pick-and-roll—both of which coach Mike Brown and new point guard Steve Nash love. 

Without having any cap room to work with, this is a quality addition to the Lakers bench. Jamison definitely has his shortcomings, but they desperately need the scoring boost.