As the 2024 NBA offseason continues, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a familiar situation—searching for the right pieces to complement their superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With the departure of Spencer Dinwiddie to the Dallas Mavericks in free agency, the Lakers need another ball handler and a point-of-attack defender at the guard position. One intriguing option for the Lakers who remains on the free-agent market is former first overall pick Markelle Fultz.
Lakers Should Take a Flyer on Former 1st Overall Pick
Markelle Fultz: A Rollercoaster Career with a Promising Future
Fultz, who was drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017, has had a somewhat tumultuous career marked by injuries and inconsistency. However, after spending the last five seasons with the Orlando Magic, Fultz has shown flashes of the potential that made him such a highly-touted prospect coming out of college. Despite mixed success during his tenure with the Magic, his final two seasons demonstrated his ability to contribute as either a starting point guard or a key bench player.
In the 2022-23 season, Fultz started 60 games for the Magic, averaging career highs in points (14.0 per game) and assists (5.7 per game) while shooting an impressive 53.4% from the field. Although he struggled to replicate those numbers in the following season, averaging 7.8 points per game primarily off the bench, it’s important to consider the context of the team he was on. The Magic were a young and rebuilding squad, and Fultz’s role fluctuated as the team experimented with different lineups and player development strategies.
Strengths on Display: Fultz’s Impact on Both Ends of the Floor
Despite his offensive dip last season, Fultz’s strengths remain clear. He has always been a non-shooter, but he excels as a driver of the ball, using his quickness and court vision to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. Defensively, he is a willing and disruptive force, capable of pressuring ball handlers and forcing turnovers. With a career defensive rating of 111.7, Fultz has the potential to be a valuable asset on the defensive end of the floor, particularly for a Lakers team that lacks a true point-of-attack defender at the guard position.
Why the Lakers Need Markelle Fultz: A Solution to Their Bench Woes
The Lakers’ need for a player like Fultz becomes even more apparent when considering their struggles last season. Despite having a roster full of talent, the Lakers ranked 28th in the league in bench points. This lack of offensive production from their second unit was a significant factor in their inconsistency throughout the season. Adding a player like Fultz, who can both create his own shot and facilitate for others, would go a long way toward resolving this issue.
For the Lakers, signing Fultz to a veteran minimum deal could be a low-risk, high-reward move that provides them with much-needed depth and versatility.
Lakers’ “Re-Start” School: Fultz’s Path to Redemption
While Fultz may not be the flashiest addition, he is exactly the kind of player the Lakers need to shore up their roster. The Lakers have had success in recent years with turning forgotten prospects into valuable role players. Malik Monk and Lonnie Walker IV are both alumni of the Lakers’ “re-start” school. Monk, who signed a veteran minimum deal with the Lakers in 2021, revitalized his career in Los Angeles and parlayed that success into a four-year, $78 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. Walker, another player who found himself on the fringes of the league before joining the Lakers, played a crucial role off the bench during the 2022-23 season and has since re-established himself as a reliable contributor.
The Lakers can point to these success stories when convincing Fultz to join the team. The opportunity to play alongside LeBron and AD, combined with the Lakers’ recent track record of helping players rebuild their careers, could be a compelling pitch for Fultz. Additionally, the chance to contribute to a contending team could be just the motivation Fultz needs to reach his full potential.
How Fultz Complements the Lakers’ System
From a basketball standpoint, Fultz would fit seamlessly into the Lakers’ system. His ability to push the ball in transition, control the tempo, and play mistake-free basketball would be invaluable in maximizing the talents of LeBron and AD. On the defensive end, his ability to disrupt opposing guards and provide pressure on the perimeter would address one of the Lakers’ most pressing needs.
The Last Word: A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
In conclusion, signing Markelle Fultz would be a savvy move for the Los Angeles Lakers as they look to bolster their roster for another championship run. Fultz’s combination of ball-handling, playmaking, and defensive prowess would provide the Lakers with the depth and versatility they need, while also giving Fultz the opportunity to revive his career on a big stage. While it may not be the most glamorous signing of the offseason, adding Fultz could be exactly what the Lakers need to solidify their status as contenders.
