Los Angeles Lakers: Jodie Meeks Will Not Accept Veteran's Minimum

According to Jodie Meeks' agent, via Mark Medina of The Los Angeles Times, the 24-year-old shooting guard will not sign with any team at the veteran's minimum. 

While the Lakers still have their mini mid-level exception left, Mitch Kupchak has stated, according to lakers.com, that he doesn't plan on using it if there's isn't great value. Therefore, one of the sides will have to change their stance if a deal is going to get done.

Meeks would help the Lakers bench offensively, as the biggest strength of his game is his shooting. Last year, Meeks shot 36.5 percent from beyond the arc and over 90 percent from the line. With a limited number of free agents left, Meeks is one of the best shooters still on the market and should find a team to sign with very soon.

Fortunately, if Meeks doesn't work out there are some other options out there for Los Angeles. While finding another shooter like him will be difficult, there are better all-around players out there in free agency. Leandro Barbosa is someone the Lakers should consider if signing Meeks doesn't work out.

While he shoots far fewer three-pointers, Barbosa is actually more accurate than Meeks. For his career, he has shot 39 percent from behind the arc and 42 percent from three after he was traded to the Pacers. Barbosa is a much more dynamic scorer and facilitator, making him a more complete player than Meeks.

If Barbosa is willing to sign for the veteran's minimum, the Lakers should forget all about Meeks and ink the Brazilian guard to a contract instead.