NBA Free Agency 2011: J.J. Barea and More Point Guard Options for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers need a point guard, that's no secret. There doesn't appear to be a marquee name available either via free agency or on the trade market, so they'll need to explore more cost-effective options. Here are three names the Lakers front office should consider.

J.J. Barea

Barea was a pest in the playoffs for all of Dallas' opponents, and his performance was one of the underlying keys to the Mavericks surviving their playoff journey. He's never averaged more than 21 minutes per game during the regular season, but he could play a bigger role with Los Angeles.

What he lacks in size, he makes up for with his quickness. He's especially effective against teams like the San Antonio Spurs, which don't have the ability or endurance to chase him all over the floor.

He'd be a nice change-of-pace option to Derek Fisher and should be ready for more minutes should Lakers new coach Mike Brown want to rest his aging guards.

T.J. Ford

Even though Ford recently agreed to a deal with Croatian side KK Zagreb, the diminutive point guard has an out clause should the NBA lockout officially end. He'll likely exercise that clause, especially if the Lakers come calling.

Ford has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, managing to play in just 88 games over the past two seasons. And even when he's played, the Texas product hasn't looked like the guy who averaged 14 points and eight assists with the Toronto Raptors.

While there is undoubtedly risk involved, it's a nice buy-low opportunity for the Lakers. And if he could regain his prior form, it could be enough to push them over the top.

Mike Bibby

Bibby is exactly what every NBA fan thinks of him—a solid veteran presence who can knock down the three ball. He averaged nine points and four assists with the Hawks before being traded to the Heat in an attempt to cure their point guard woes.

His outside range would be a welcome addition to a Lakers team that became stagnant on offense quite a bit last season. Even though he wouldn't excite the fan base like a big trade would, he is an underrated option who should come cheap.

Bibby wouldn't be a long-term solution for Los Angeles, but he represents a short-term stopgap that could turn out to provide good bang for the buck.