Well-traveled veteran PJ Tucker could find another chance at a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. The former Milwaukee Bucks champion has moved from team to team in recent years but has been unable to stick around for more than a season or two. Currently awaiting another shot in the league, Tucker might be well past his better days, but his veteran presence is still an asset. In the case of the Lakers, signing a 38-year-old who offers little production wouldn’t be for production reasons. Instead, Tucker’s experience, leadership, and depth as a small forward could be helpful if JJ Redick needed it in the playoffs.
Could Travelled Veteran Help Lakers’ Championship Push?
Could LA Lakers Championship Goals Include PJ Tucker?
Tucker has always been known and identified as a stout, bonafide defender and three-point shooter. Now a whiley veteran who only averaged 1.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 31 games last year, Tucker’s highest production is in the rearview mirror. Still, since acquiring a championship ring with Milwaukee in 2021, Tucker’s three-point percentage remained high, shooting 41.5% in Miami, 39.3% in Philadelphia, and a 36.7%/40% split with the Clippers and 76ers last season. Despite his age, Tucker can still knock them down at the three-point line.
With less than 20 games left in the season for most teams, there is no guarantee that Tucker will find a spot before the playoffs kick off. A player waived by March 1st can sign with any team afterward. If a player is waved after that date, they’re ineligible to play in the playoffs. Tucker was waived by the Toronto Raptors last Friday. It was a nice touch by them, as it allows an opportunity for Tucker to play in the postseason should he find a team.
As it stands with the Lakers, giving Tucker a look still wouldn’t solve their center flaws. Tucker is no threat in the paint. However, he offers toughness, energy, and leadership. Those traits are just a few that Redick is extremely fond of and could put to good use. Tucker would provide solid depth even in limited minutes, and if he can knock down a three here and there, even better for the Lakers.
Does LA Need Another Roster Move?
Given how well the Lakers have played since the trade for Luka Dončić, without a top-tier big man, it’s fair to question why they would need to make any further roster adjustments. Despite their size issues at the center position, it’s been a successful collective effort with lengthy, tall players like Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith that has helped propel Los Angeles to the league’s best defensive teams in recent weeks. LeBron James has also chimed in significantly, playing some incredible defense in his own right. The current iteration of the Lakers look poised for a deep playoff run and may not feel the need to add Tucker, or any other player for that matter.
Nevertheless, championship pedigree and strong leadership are always valuable. Tucker possesses both traits and would be valuable to the Lakers, either on the court or in the locker room. Should LA find a need for what Tucker has, they should give him a shot before it’s too late.
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