5 Reasons the Lakers Should Sign Gilbert Arenas

NBA writer Alex Kennedy recently reported that according to sources "close to the Lakers" they are interested in signing free-agent ex-superstar Gilbert Arenas.

Growing up in Los Angeles, it only makes sense that Arenas would love to join Kobe and Co. and play for a contender for the first time in his long and interesting career thus far.

It's no secret that LA could use some help in the backcourt, and although people may label this move a desperate one, I have been saying the Lakers should make this move since the beginning of the season.

After a long offseason in which Arenas is rumored to have lost 20 pounds, LA could sign him to a short-term deal and see how much he has left in the tank. 

Here are five reasons I believe the Lakers would benefit from the signing of Gilbert Arenas.

Another Scorer

One of the Lakers' main problems this year is that they do not have options on the offensive end, as far as the perimeter goes.

Neither Derek Fisher, nor Matt Barnes nor Metta World Peace will consistently take you off the dribble and are effective when they try to create their own shot.

Although Kobe Bryant is having a great scoring year, the fact that his wing counterparts are not a threat to score makes it even harder on the Black Mamba.

Arenas is not only capable of taking someone off the dribble, but he can also knock down open jumpers, in particular three-pointers, which the Lakers could use a lot more of.

If I were Mitch Kupchak, I would have been looking to trade Pau for someone like Pierce who can be another option on the wing, but with the addition of Arenas, they would not only solve that problem but also be able to keep their twin towers in tact.

Watch the video and you will see the Lakers know a little something about what Arenas can do.

Has Hit Big Shots Before

Gilbert Arenas is another late-game option.

Let's be honest, at the end of the day we know the ball will most likely still be in Kobe's hands. I'd be willing to bet on it.

But Arenas has also taken big shots before, especially when he was the man in Washington.

Maybe Kobe will be less reluctant to pass it to an open Gilbert Arenas down the stretch knowing he will shoot it with confidence.

The self-proclaimed Hibachi previously in his career, because you never know when he was going to get hot, Arenas is more than capable of coming up big in the fourth quarter.

He Has Something to Prove

Gilbert Arenas has always been considered a good player, but never a great one.

He has been labeled lazy and a locker-room distraction after his gun incident and could not manage to find the right role in Orlando.

A 30-year-old veteran now, Arenas is ready to play for a contender and do everything in his power to help.

He doesn't have a lot of options right now as far as where he could play, although having the Lakers as your only one is not a bad deal.

He's an Upgrade No Matter How You Look at It

No matter how you look at it, Gilbert Arenas is a plus for the Lakers backcourt.

Yes, the Lakers have 15 players on the roster and someone would have to get waived, but business is business.

It would likely be one of the young point guards, Darius Morris or Andrew Goudelock.

Arenas not only brings a unique skill set, as far as scoring goes, but he also brings experience.

Fisher is not a starting point guard in today's NBA anymore, but Arenas could still be.

With Steve Blake out in particular, the Lakers could use Arenas more than ever.

Low-Risk, High Reward

At the end of the day, Gilbert Arenas is a low-risk.

The Lakers could sign him to the veteran's minimum for one year just to see what he has to offer and if he performs, extend his contract.

The only thing the Lakers are really losing is a player they would have to waive on their already full roster.

Like I said before, I wouldn't call the Lakers desperate, but they definitely need an upgrade at the point guard position.

They don't have a lot of options, and it seems as though Kupchak is set on keeping both Bynum and Gasol.

I think Lakers fans would welcome Arenas with open arms, and if not, I think he could win the hearts of many with what he could bring to the table.