LA Lakers Rumors: Desperate Lakers Need Gilbert Arenas

It can't get much more desperate than needing troubled and aging guard Gilbert Arenas.

But that is where the Los Angeles Lakers are at right now.

The Lakers have reportedly been "hesitant" to sign Arenas to the league minimum, and we all know the reasons why: a certain incident involving guns in the locker room, play that has taken a nose dive since his early years and a carefree demeanor that tends to show itself on the court.

But who do the Lakers have? Steve Blake? The dinosaur that is Derek Fisher? They have a grand total of three legitimate ballhandlers, including Kobe Bryant.

As many issues as Arenas has, he can create his own shot and set up his teammates when he wants to. He's worth a shot and, let's be frank, the Lakers need all the help they can get after a 1-2 start (their sole win was against the Utah Jazz, who look to be one of the worst teams in the NBA so far).

If the Lakers don't think they need help, they are fooling themselves. They are in the same position as the Eastern Conference's Boston Celtics, two former powerhouses who need a facelift.

Sure, Arenas could fall apart on them. Sure, he could create problems in the locker room. But, honestly, the Lakers are falling apart and have chemistry issues, anyway.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but if the Lakers are smart, they'll add Arenas and hope for the best.

Of course, given what management has displayed so far this season, I'd be surprised if the Lakers did anything to help themselves.