Lakers Rumors: Jodie Meeks Is Top Option for LA with Delonte West off the Market

The Lakers already made one of the biggest splashes on the free-agent market when they inked Steve Nash to a three-year deal in early July, but their backcourt makeover still isn't complete.

After missing out on O.J. Mayo, Courtney Lee and Delonte West, the Lakers don't have many other avenues to consider—except, maybe, Jodie Meeks.

According to HOOPSWORLD's Alex Kennedy, L.A. is interested in bringing Meeks aboard, and Meeks is interested in taking his talents to SoCal. Kennedy tweeted:

"

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to express interest in Jodie Meeks, according to source. No deal is imminent, but the two sides are talking.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 27, 2012"

The longer free agency stretches on, the lesser the odds that the Lakers can acquire a player who can fill a significant role for them in the backcourt: a solid shooter off the bench who can be effective from beyond the arc.

Meeks is one of the only worthwhile options left. The five-year veteran out of Kentucky has been at a career-best over the last two years. During his best season in 2010-11 with the Sixers, he tallied 10.5 points per game and shot 42.5 percent from the floor and nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc.

Last season, his numbers dipped a little bit—8.4 points, 41 percent from the floor, 37 percent from three—and while he's not as solid from long range as a Mayo or a Lee, he still gives the Lakers a solid option and a three-point threat who can stretch defenses.

There's also the fact that Meeks, at 24, probably hasn't yet reached his threshold. He made a substantial leap from his third to his fourth season in the league, and playing on a skilled veteran team like the Lakers could do wonders for a young, developing player who's only ever been a part of the Sixers. 

This is a situation that can work out well for both sides. Meeks isn't going to break the Lakers' bank, and he gives them a solid shooter who's probably going to get better over the next couple of years. Meeks, alternately, gets to play for a serious contender, and he gets to play with two of the best guards in the game. It's a win-win.

Would the Lakers like to acquire someone who's displayed a little more consistency and experience? Sure, but they don’t have a lot to spend and there aren’t a lot of consistent, veteran options.

All things considered, Meeks is a pretty good bet.