Lakers point guard Ramon Sessions has opted to not exercise his player option and become a free agent according to a newspaper report.
The 26-year-old Sessions, who stood to earn $4.55 million dollars next year, is now free to consider offers from other teams. Sessions could still re-sign with the team, but will now seek a multi-year contract, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.
Sessions was acquired by the Lakers in March along with forward Christian Eyenga, from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for former Lakers Luke Walton and Jason Kapono. The Lakers also paid the Cavaliers $1 million and gave up their right to the 24th overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
During 23 regular-season games Sessions averaged 13.7 points, 6.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds. However, his numbers experienced a significant drop in the playoffs, averaging a mere 6.8 points to go along with 3.6 assists throughout the postseason.
Steve Blake, who still has two years left on his deal, is currently the only point guard that the Lakers have under contract. Rookie point guard Darius Moore, who received very little playing time during his first season, is a restricted free agent.
If Sessions does not re-sign with Los Angeles, the Lakers will have a lot of experienced free agent point guards to pursue.
Here are three point guards, in addition to Sessions, that the Lakers could be targeting in the coming months:
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Deron Williams:
Williams, who plays for the New Jersey Nets (soon to be the Brooklyn Nets) is the best point guard on the market according to many NBA executives, and his acquisition would lessen the sting of losing out on Chris Paul for Lakers fans.
However, seeing Williams in a Laker uniform seems unlikely at this point in time. Los Angeles is already over the luxury-tax threshold, significantly limiting their spending power this off-season.
The most probable way Williams dons a Laker jersey is through a sign-and-trade deal with Brooklyn.
Steve Nash:
Nash, of the Phoenix Suns, has been a nemesis of the Lakers for some time now, but he may just be willing to put aside his differences for a chance to win a title.
With his career winding down, Nash, 38, averaged 12.5 points and 10.7 assists while starting every game last season. His presence on the floor would allow Kobe Bryant to play more off the ball and give Andrew Bynum some easy buckets in the paint.
Like Williams, Nash would most likely have to be acquired in a sign-and- trade deal.
Andre Miller:
The Denver point guard is not a big name player like Nash or Williams, but Miller is a realistic option for the Lakers if Sessions does not return. Coming off the bench for the Nuggets, Miller averaged 9.7 points and 6.7 assists per game.
Miller is a pass first player who could contribute significantly on the offensive side of the ball.
Compared to some of the other players available, Miller could come at a bargain, allowing the Lakers to fill other needs in free agency.
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