5 Backup Pointmen L.A. Lakers Would Rather Have Than Steve Blake and Chris Duhon

The Los Angeles Lakers fired Mike Brown. The way it has looked so far this season, L.A. would rather have anyone else as head coach.

The same could be said about Steve Blake and Chris Duhon as backup point guards.

Sadly, with Steve Nash hurting, that's who the Lakers are stuck with to replace him.

Not ideal when you are off to the franchise's worst start in 34 years.

The Lakers would love to have a different option at backup point guard instead of Blake and Duhon. With their performance this season, and during most of their entire NBA careers, it's a wonder why the Lakers didn't address this in the offseason.

Nash does keep himself in shape, but 38-year bones and ligaments are still 38 years old. Limiting his minutes will be key, as they need him at full strength for postseason play.

This list could be about 20 players long. But let's just go with the top five point guards that could feasibly play for the Lakers at some point this season instead of Blake and Duhon.

Nate Robinson

Sure, the Lakers would love to have a guy like Jarrett Jack, Eric Bledsoe, Louis Williams or Andre Miller, if he is technically a backup, instead of Blake or Duhon. But how about guys who may actually be attainable down the line if Nash gets worse? And if possible, Blake and Duhon get worse.

December 15 is the key date to look forward to. That is when players who signed on or before September 15 can be traded for the first time.

Nate Robinson starts off this list. He would bring energy to the second unit, something that is seriously missing from the Lakers bench.

His play can be erratic at times, but he would still offer more stability than what Blake and Duhon bring to the table.

The Bulls currently have Kirk Hinrich entrenched as the starting point guard until Derrick Rose returns. They drafted Marquis Teague in the first round this year, making Robinson expendable.

If the Bulls were willing to unload Robinson, the Lakers should come calling.

Ramon Sessions

What weird situation this could be.

After a so-so season last year in L.A., Ramon Sessions left the Lakers to join the Charlotte Bobcats for similar money to be a backup on one of the worst teams in the NBA.

Sessions is not in the long-term plans for the Bobcats, but then again, what player over the age of 25 is?

If he found his way back to the Lakers, egos aside, his stellar pick-and-roll game would work well with Dwight Howard and company.

Things could get interesting if Los Angeles were willing to take on the contract of Tyrus Thomas while letting Metta World Peace go. Charlotte could take a gamble that World Peace would opt out of his player option, forgoing $7.5 million next year. Knowing him, he just might give up that money rather than play for the Bobcats.

Devin Harris

Devin Harris is currently the third point guard on the Atlanta Hawks' depth chart.

Would they even miss him if he was gone?

Harris was once a legit point guard in the NBA. Now he has two point guards ahead of him on the Hawks! Perhaps playing alongside stars the Lakers have would rejuvenate his career.

Harris still has quickness and can get to the basket, but his shot has failed him in recent years. Maybe having Kobe Bryant yell at him to never shoot, and to just distribute the ball would make him a big upgrade over Blake and Duhon.

Darius Morris

Here's a novel idea.

Play someone on your roster that is more talented than either Blake or Duhon.

This is bothersome about younger players in the NBA. Especially second-round picks. These guys can play. However, the Lakers owe Blake and Duhon close to $9 million next year, so they can't exactly just cut them.

Even though they are the definition of a sunk cost.

That leaves guys like Darius Morris deep on the bench because he makes less than $1 million.

The Lakers should change that, as now is the perfect time to play Morris. With the new roster learning how to play together, give Morris the chance to develop as they sort things out.

He did record 26 minutes in a victory against the Golden State Warriors. Maybe this is sign of things to come?

It better be.

J.J. Barea

What a hot start by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Especially considering it's without their top two players, Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio.

It's been without the help of J.J. Barea, who hasn't made much of an impact so far this season. And when Rubio eventually returns, he may become obsolete. With Brandon Roy's ability to handle the ball and Luke Ridnour on the roster, Barea's skill set might take a back seat.

The Lakers however, would welcome him with open arms. Barea excels in the pick-and-roll game and can really attack the rim.

His lack of defense wouldn't be a problem with strong defenders behind him, and he could be their No. 1 scoring option off the bench. L.A. would love his ability to draw fouls on opposing big men, allowing Howard and Pau Gasol to see more of the second string players.

With the players the T-Wolves have and the money that Barea is owed (over $9 million after this season), they likely wouldn't mind unloading Barea.

The Lakers wouldn't mind having him instead of Blake either.