Lakers Rumors: 5 Factors Allen Iverson Would Bring to LA

Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson in the same back court?

According to a report on ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers are entertaining the idea of signing the former superstar. 

The thought of Iverson in purple and gold is quite fascinating to think about. At one point, the controversial guard was one of the best in the NBA.

His tenacity and grit on the court was more than evident, and his ability to score the basketball with his diminutive stature was incredibly impressive. 

At 36, it's unknown how much Iverson has left, but if he can provide half the production that he did earlier on in his career, the Lakers will gladly take it.

Let's take a gander at five factors A.I. would bring to the Lakers...

5. A Jolt of Energy

Let's face it, the Lakers need something. Sitting at a pedestrian 16-12, this is not a Lakers team of old (although they are old).

At this point, the Lakers do not look like title contenders unless they make an impact acquisition. Could that shock move mean bringing in Iverson?

The former superstar epitomized energy during his illustrious NBA career. He played with immense passion and excited the crowd nightly with his courageous drives to the basket. He simply was not going to be denied despite him being (generously listed at) 6'0".

The franchise needs a jolt of vigor that could help to energize the squad. Iverson could very well be the spark that ignites a winning streak for the Lakers.

4. Scoring off the Bench

The Lakers' second unit is downright pathetic. They currently rank last in the NBA with their anemic nightly output.

With that in mind, why not sign someone that can score in bunches?

At the height of his career, there perhaps was not a better guard than Iverson in terms of penetration in the lane. His first step was lethal, as he utilized his quickness at will and absolutely lived in the lane with his myriad of floaters and creative layups.

The current Lakers squad, outside of Kobe Bryant, is void of anyone capable of creating their own shot off of the bounce right now.

For someone like Jason Kapono, his game is predicated upon penetration from teammates. He cannot create his own shot, and thus, he camps out on the three-point line as a stand-still shooter. The problem is, with no Laker able to dish him the ball out on the wings, his game play at this point has little value.

Someone like Iverson can remedy that problem without question.

Not only could A.I. help out in terms of penetration and breaking down the opposition's defense, he could open up shots for teammates such as Kapono. His scoring output doesn't need to mirror his 26.7 career scoring average, but averaging between nine and 12 PPG would be more than serviceable.

In addition, employing the "pick and roll" with Pau Gasol could be an incredibly potent tactic.

3. A Possible Headache

With Iverson's wonderful talents come a boatload of potential problems, namely starting with his massive ego. Historically speaking, numerous incidents have chronicled Iverson's problems both on and off the court.

A.I. ultimately jettisoned himself out of Memphis after three games due to his unwillingness to come off of the bench for the Grizzlies. If he joins the Lakers, he'll be asked to do the same thing, which would be to provide scoring punch from a reserve role. Will he be able to do that and not feel slighted?

In addition, there's no secret that Iverson's been described as a "cancer" in the locker room. His selfish disposition has been on display publicly, and it makes him come off as very trite and petty. Any semblance of harmony might be lost in the locker room with an egomaniacal Iverson.

Another huge question is whether both Bryant and Iverson, two alpha males, can coexist together on the same team. If Iverson displays his usual antics, it could be a recipe for disaster.

One thing's for sure, his volatile persona will not be tolerated on a veteran team with a championship pedigree led by Bryant and Derek Fisher.

2. A Motivated Player

At this point in Iverson's career, he's lost all his leverage. He needs to reestablish himself as an NBA player if he wants to continue to play the game of basketball.

Iverson was an 11-time All-Star for a reason—because he was an absolute warrior out on the court with his marvelous ability.

Aside from attemping to have a basketball rebirth of sorts, the sad reality is that Iverson is broke. He's accrued a mass amount of debt via bad financial decisions and a noted gambling problem. The former 76er has also been marred in a jewelry situation in which he never paid back $375,000. 

For a player that made well over $100 million in the course of his career, money has now become a primary motivator for his continuance as a basketball player.

His brilliant career as a player has begun to be tainted with the negatives of his behavior and his loss of money. That brilliance as an athlete should not be discounted nor should it be forgotten.

If Iverson is able to latch on with the Lakers and make a positive impact, he may be able to rectify the last chapter in his playing career.

1. The Unknown

There are loads of questions and concerns about the possible signing of Iverson.

Is he even in basketball shape?

If signed, will he have an incessant rant about practice?

Will he be a sulking malcontent on the court if he isn't getting the minutes he wants?

Will his dormant ego make a reappearance and think he's still the player he once was?

Will he flash glimmers of his brilliance from yesteryear while igniting a winning streak for the Lakers in the process?

All of these are valid questions that should be taken into account if the team is seriously considering bringing Iverson on board.

There's no denying his immense talent from his Philadelphia and, to some extent, Denver days. At this point, however, how much does the 36-year-old have left in the tank? Iverson hasn't played since 2010 during his stint in Turkey with Beşiktaş Milangaz.

Ultimately, do the Lakers take a chance on the maligned 11-time All-Star?

We'll see.