Gilbert Arenas and J.R. Smith Would Be Awesome Additions to L.A. Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers need to add some scoring to their guard positions, and free agents Gilbert Arenas and J.R. Smith would both be fantastic additions to the Purple and Gold.

Arenas was cut by the Orlando Magic via the amnesty clause before the season, and Smith is returning from the Chinese Basketball Association. 

According to USA Today, both players have talked with the Lakers about joining the team this season.

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General manager Mitch Kupchak watched Arenas, who was released by the Orlando Magic via the amnesty clause before the season, work out this week. J.R. Smith, a free agent shooting guard who last played for the Denver Nuggets and has been in China since the lockout, tweeted that he had a "great talk" with Brown on Tuesday. Brown confirmed the phone conversation.

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The Lakers need to add some depth at point guard since veterans Derek Fisher and Steve Blake have been quite disappointing this season. 

Arenas averaged the fewest points per game of his career last season, but on a Lakers team with Kobe Bryant and other talented players, Arenas won't be the focal point of opposing defense's attention. He also doesn't need to be a major scorer for L.A.; just provide good outside shooting off the bench.

While Arenas would be a good option at point guard, Smith would be a fantastic addition at shooting guard.

With Metta World Peace struggling this season and Derek Fisher giving the team little offense, the Lakers need to find a reliable scorer who can provide an offensive spark off the bench. Smith is someone who can give them that spark.

Smith is a good outside shooter and has the explosiveness to take the ball to the basket and score in the paint.

More importantly, Arenas and Smith would be valuable additions for the playoffs. Both have been to the playoffs multiple times and will not be rattled by the bright stage of the postseason, like rookie guard Darius Morris might be.

Arenas and Smith aren't going to come into the Lakers and score 20 points consistently, but they can be much more reliable on offense than Fisher and Blake are going forward.

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