Ramon Sessions Reportedly Opts Out of Lakers Contract to Become Free Agent

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Ramon Sessions, fresh off a disappointing performance in the playoffs, has opted out of his contract to test the waters as an unrestricted free agent, according to Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times:

"

Point guard Ramon Sessions will not exercise a player option to stay with the Lakers and will become a free agent, The Times has learned.

— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) June 19, 2012"

While this may seem like good news to Lakers fans who watched Sessions struggle during the Western Conference playoffs, it leaves the Purple and Gold with a gaping hole in their lineup. 

During the regular season, Sessions averaged 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game in the 23 games with the Lakers after being dealt by the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, his numbers plummeted in the postseason, as he only put up 9.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

This move, while not surprising, is a bit troubling for a team that desperately needs to find a starting point guard. Barring a trade, the Lakers will not be able to find help in the draft, as they hold no first-round picks this year. 

Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock aren't ready to be handed the reins, which means the Lakers will be turning to free agency in an attempt to find a floor general to pair with Kobe Bryant. 

Expect Steve Nash to be in the discussion, as well as other veterans including Goran Dragic, Andre Miller, Aaron Brooks and Kirk Hinrich.