NBA Rumors: Why Lakers Need to Stay as Far Away as Possible from Gilbert Arenas

The Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams on Gilbert Arenas' wish list, but his is a wish not worth granting on their part.

Arenas was once one of the most heralded point guards in the league. He could score, distribute, defend and was even an above-average rebounder for his position. Those days are gone now, though, and the Lakers must be privy to that as they mull their options at the point guard position.

Los Angeles is already bursting with question marks as we approach opening day, and Arenas would only worsen that condition. He is inconsistent in his production, and as he showed last year with the Orlando Magic, he is not able to become fully acclimated to a new system in a timely fashion.

While the Lakers are in need of an upgrade at the point guard position, is Arenas really a tier above Derek Fisher? To be honest, he is. At 29, there is still time for Arenas to turn his career around whereas the 37-year-old Fisher's abilities will only diminish from here on out.

That being said, Los Angeles knows what it is getting in Fisher, but the same cannot be said of Arenas. Both his production and attitude are roller-coasters of a ride, and the Lakers already have two such players who fit this bill in Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest.

Another one is unnecessary.

After missing out on Chris Paul and shipping Lamar Odom off to the Dallas Mavericks for basically nothing, Los Angeles has to be anxious to pull the trigger on a major acquisition, yet it cannot get suckered into believing Arenas is that addition.

Kobe Bryant isn't getting any younger, so investing in works-in-progress is of no benefit to the Lakers and their championship aspirations. If Los Angeles was to embark on such an adventure, it should do so by targeting a youngster, not a 10-year veteran.

Better yet, if an ongoing project is something the team is open to, then it should give Darius Morris a chance. He at least stands a better chance to improve than the ever-confusing Arenas.

Yes, the Lakers need to make a move and do so soon. Yes, there is a glaring need for an upgrade at the point guard position. And yes, Arenas is not only available, but open to donning purple and gold.

But no, this is not an avenue Los Angeles should explore. Running off in the opposite direction would be a smarter course of action.

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