NBA Trade Rumors: Ramon Sessions Isn't Significant Upgrade to Lakers' Backcourt

Don't expect Lakers' opponents to be perplexed by a potential move that would land Ramon Sessions in Los Angeles. Say the name Ramon Sessions…it doesn't exactly have the Mufasa effect does it (sorry, Lion King reference)?

Despite the underwhelming effect, Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio tweeted the following:

"

In case you missed it ... Lakers likely to "accelerate" pursuit of Cavs' Ramon Sessions over All-Star break, says Western Conference source.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) February 21, 2012"

The Lakers certainly need help at guard. Derek Fisher is 211 years old (really, he's 37) shooting 36 percent from the field, 25 percent from the arc and he can't guard a parked car.

That said, is Sessions that big of an upgrade?

Not in my opinion. Take a look at his numbers. He's averaging a respectable 10.5 points coming off the bench behind Kyrie Irving in Cleveland. The Cavs are not a playoff caliber team, and although Irving is a impressive rookie, Sessions numbers don't scream major upgrade for the Lakers.

Per 36 minutes, he averages a much more impressive 15 points and 7.5 assists, but that is with Cleveland. He has the ball in his hands a lot more with the Cavs than he will with the Lakers.

In LA, he'll need to be able to play off the ball, and I doubt he'll be as effective in that role.

The main reason for my concern on that front is his mediocre three-point shooting.

Sessions is only a 28 percent three-point shooter for his career. He is having his best year shooting the three at 43 percent, but it's on only 44 attempts. Plus, many of those shot attempts have come off the dribble. In LA, he would need to spot up more often to play off Kobe Bryant and the Lakers' big men.

That is a different type of shot, and he wouldn't be the first player to struggle going from an environment that saw him handling the ball, to one that calls for him to play off of it.

Sessions also lacks playoff experience. In his five-year career Sessions has zero postseason appearances.

That is something the Lakers must covet as they try to prepare for a stretch and playoff run. Performing in the regular season is nice, but we all the know the playoffs are a different animal.

Fisher's ability to shine in the second season is what has made him a Lakers' fan favorite. It is certainly unclear whether Sessions would be half as good with the game on the line.

While I acknowledge Sessions would immediately be the best point guard on the roster, he doesn't give the Lakers the presence they need to become serious contenders.

It is more like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound.