NBA Rumors: Signing Gilbert Arenas Would Make Los Angeles Lakers Better

Gilbert Arenas is no longer the "Hibachi," but he could still give the Los Angeles Lakers a nice bench scoring option. Signing him would be a low-risk, potentially high-reward transaction. The Lakers have the perfect environment for him and he wants to be there.

First, he wouldn't be required to carry much of the load. When he came in off the bench, he'd be looked at to score. Arenas could play either guard spot, so his versatility would be a plus, but it still comes down to scoring, plain and simple.

Secondly, Arenas is desperate for another shot. Right now, he has to be hoping teams haven't blackballed him because of his issues and subsequent lackluster play in Orlando. He grew up in LA, and he wants to play there. For a veteran's minimum deal, it is worth exploring.

Lastly, many teams could be concerned about Arenas' injured knees and most of all, his impact on chemistry. Well, the knees will have to be tested in a workout, and only time will tell, but as previously noted, the veteran's minimum is a small price to pay if he isn't healthy enough to contribute.

As for the chemistry issues, I wouldn't worry about that, not as long as Kobe Bryant is around. In Bryant and Derek Fisher, the Lakers have the type of veteran leadership that commands respect. It is hard to find a player in the NBA that doesn't respect those two and moreover, the Lakers' tradition and uniform.

The Lakers would get the best Arenas has and he would make them a dangerous team.

Arenas has been punished for his immaturity, but he deserves another shot and the Lakers could use the punch off the bench.

Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter