Lakers Rumors: Allen Iverson Would Give Lakers a Boost

Allen Iverson would be a nice addition for the Los Angeles Lakers. This is a team that has serious holes and needs a boost. 

They need to make additions, and at this point in the season there aren't many options. They can either make a trade or add a free agent. 

It is the latter option the Lakers need to focus on and the addition of Iverson would be a nice first step. It is also a step they have reportedly contemplated.

The Rumors

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reported hearing the Lakers were interested in Iverson:

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Allen Iverson, who sources indicated the Lakers had some interest in as long as he was willing to go to the NBA Developmental League for a few weeks first, is not the answer. He's simply not a point guard. 

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Smith is quick to dismiss this acquisition, but he is not looking at the big picture. 

Why Iverson Would Help the Lakers

Smith is absolutely right by saying that the Iverson would not fill the Lakers' massive gap at point guard, but that isn't their only need. 

LA needs scoring help off the bench. Their second unit has a nasty habit of turning five-point leads into five-point deficits. 

They don't have scoring punch, and they don't have anyone to control the flow of the game. 

And if Iverson can still do anything on a basketball court, he can still do those two things. The Lakers wouldn't have to worry about Iverson being a disruptive force to the flow of their offense because their second team has no flow. 

AI would not be the Lakers' savior. He alone would not lead them to the promise land, but he is a needed piece all the same. 

On nights he had his touch working, he can turn the Lakers bench into a legitimate squad, and that is something the Lakers desperately need.