Lakers Trade Rumors: Kirk Hinrich an Underrated Target for Lake Show

There is a lot of talk about the Lakers trading for Dwight Howard, Michael Beasley and others, but one name that isn't getting a lot of press is the Atlanta Hawks' Kirk Hinrich.

Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld tweeted this:

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The Los Angeles Lakers have expressed interest in Kirk Hinrich, according to sources. No deal is imminent.

"

"— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) Feb. 29, 2012"

Of all the point guards that have been rumored in deals to the Lakers, Hinrich is the best fit for what Los Angeles needs.

The Lakers need a point guard that can be effective playing off the ball. Hinrich can do that, as he displayed while playing with Derrick Rose in Chicago. In two seasons with Rose (2008-2010), Hinrich shot 39 percent from three-point range. 

He is a solid spot-up shooter, and the shots he would receive playing off Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol (if he isn't moved) and Andrew Bynum would be right in his wheelhouse.

For Hinrich's career, he is 38 percent three-point shooter. Hinrich can knock down the open three, which is something the Lakers desperately need from their point guard.

Derek Fisher is shooting 29 percent from deep and Steve Blake is shooting 36 percent, but he's been hobbled by injuries and is only capable of playing limited minutes. Hinrich can play more consistent minutes than Blake and shoot the ball more accurately than Fisher. He has struggled with his shot since returning from injury, but with more minutes he can return to form.

Aside from shooting the three, Hinrich is known for his solid defense. At 6'3", he has shown the ability to guard both point guards and shooting guards in his career. This defensive versatility would be an asset to the Lakers' roster.

Imagine a situation where Hinrich could slide to the two to give Kobe a breather, while still adequately defending the opposing team's shooting guard. Adding Hinrich would give the Lakers that flexibility on defense.

What also can't be dismissed is Hinrich's team-first, low-maintenance personality. Hinrich is a coaches' dream—he plays hard and accepts his role, whatever that may be. That is invaluable from a 31-year-old veteran, especially one potentially joining the Lakers.

It assures there will be no bumping of heads with Bryant, which is something management must always consider when looking at new acquisitions. They can rest assured Hinrich would only enhance team chemistry.

From a financial standpoint, the Lakers make out fine as well. They could offer the Hawks' a draft pick through the trade exception as Hinrich's $8 million salary fits into the parameters.

Hinrich's deal is also expiring so, the money comes off the books at the end of the season either way.

This is an awesome backup plan if the Lakers can't get Howard, it puts them in the best position to compete with the core they have.