L.A. Lakers Trade Speculation and Free Agents: 5 Replacements for Derek Fisher

With the retirement of Phil Jackson, now may be the best time for the Los Angeles Lakers to make a change at the point guard position.

Given Derek Fisher’s experience with Phil Jackson and the triangle offense, the five-time champion probably got more playing time than he would have with other coaches.

Despite Fisher’s playoff heroics and place in Lakers lore, his aging body has left the Lakers vulnerable against younger, quicker point guards the last few seasons.

Here are five players who could potentially take Fisher’s spot as the team’s starting point guard next season.  

5. Steve Blake

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 20: Steve Blake #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers moves the ball while taking on the New Orleans Hornets in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, C

It would be an understatement to say Steve Blake had a disappointing first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Blake shot 35 percent from the field, his lowest percentage since 2004-05. Blake also posted his lowest scoring average since 2004-05.

Things got worse for Blake in the postseason. Blake’s shooting percentage and scoring average dropped to 30 percent and two points per game, respectively.

Call me crazy, but I would be willing to give Blake a second chance. Maybe he wasn’t built for the triangle offense.

In a new system, he could turn out to be the player that fans expected.

4. T.J. Ford

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 11: T.J. Ford #5 of the Indiana Pacers drives past Jeff Teague #0 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on December 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or usi

T.J. Ford is an unrestricted free agent this summer.

While Ford may not be a household name, he would be an instant upgrade over any point guard currently on the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster.

His career statistics aren’t too shabby either—11 points and six assists per game.

Also, being nine years younger than Derek Fisher would give the team much-needed youth and athleticism at the position.

3. D.J. Augustin

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MIAMI, FL - APRIL 08: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Charlotte Bobcats drives to the lane during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on April 8, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by download

D.J. Augustin is a point guard on the rise that the Los Angeles Lakers should consider trading for.

Last season with the Charlotte Bobcats, Augustin posted career highs in points, rebounds and assists.

The Lakers could give up Steve Blake, Devin Ebanks and a future first-round draft pick to make the trade worthwhile for the Bobcats.

If Ebanks and the draft pick panned out, Charlotte would have two young, talented players on their roster to make up for Augustin.

Augustin becomes a free agent after next season.

2. J.J. Barea

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DALLAS, TX - JUNE 07: Jose Juan Barea #11 of the Dallas Mavericks drives against the Miami Heat in Game Four of the 2011 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 7, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, b

The Los Angeles Lakers got a bird’s-eye view in this year’s playoffs just how dangerous J.J. Barea can be.

In the Western Conference semifinals against the Lakers, Barea torched the defending champions for 11 points and five assists off the bench per game.

Barea becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

1. Aaron Brooks

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Phoenix Suns drives the ball past Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the NBA game at US Airways Center on March 30, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Thunder defeated the Suns 116-98. NOTE

Aaron Brooks is a restricted free agent this summer. But it’s unlikely the Phoenix Suns won’t re-sign him, considering their lack of depth at the point guard position without him.

Therefore, the Los Angeles Lakers should consider trading for Brooks. The team could give up Lamar Odom, Steve Blake and a future draft pick to get Brooks.

I wouldn’t want to see Odom leave, but Brooks would be the answer to the team’s point guard woes.