The Los Angeles Lakers' preseason has started off in reverse.
Lakers coaching search takes U-turn back to Lionel Hollins
The Detroit Pistons signed arguably the Laker that performed the best during their dismal 2013-14 season, signing guard Jodie Meeks to a three-year, $19.5 million contract, Yahoo! Sports reported on Tuesday.
Meeks averaged a career-high 15.1 points per game and shot 40.1 percent from 3-point range in Los Angeles last season.
He nearly doubled his scoring from his first season with the Lakers in 2012-13, when he averaged just 7.9 points per game. Of course, that season, the Lakers had a healthy Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Antawn Jamison - all of whom left Meeks with limited scoring opportunities.
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The Lakers are looking for cap space over the next two seasons to put a team around the aging Bryant that can contend for an NBA title. They have reached out to LeBron James' agent, ESPN reported, and have been in contact with Carmelo Anthony this season.
Los Angeles also is eying Kevin Love in 2015 and Kevin Durant in 2016, when those all-stars become free agents.
The Lakers are coming off their worst season ever in Los Angeles, finishing with a 27-55 record. They spent much of last season without Bryant, who was recovering from an Achilles' heel tear he suffered in 2013 and then suffered a broken knee shortly after his return last season.
The Lakers also let coach Mike D'Antoni leave and have yet to replace him, in hopes that any free agents they want to attract make suggestions on a coach.
If the Lakers strike out on an agreement with any of the big-name free-agents, the loss of Meeks will be magnified. Still, he could not be considered a key piece of the puzzle that would return the Lakers to championship contender status.
Do you think the departure of Jodie Meeks is a big loss for the rebuilding Los Angeles Lakers? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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