Lakers Rumors: Targeting Gary Forbes Displays Effort to Add Athleticism

In 2009 and 2010 the Los Angeles Lakers ruled over the NBA by winning back-to-back championships. From 2011 to 2013, however, the Lakers hit a downward spiral, failing to address their most pressing needs and were thus forced to face the consequences.

In a summer of disarray, however, the Lakers have begun plugging away at their most glaring void yet: the absence of athleticism.

Thus far, the Lakers have signed the likes of Jordan Farmar, Wesley Johnson and Nick Young to help the team in the department of athleticism. Paired with Jodie Meeks and Steve Blake, the Lakers have effectively built a second unit perimeter that may actually provide depth for the first time since their previously alluded to title runs.

According to HoopsHype.com, the Lakers aren't done.



Name value or not, chasing a player of Gary Forbes' make-up is a step in the right direction.

For those unfamiliar, Forbes is a 28-year-old shooting guard who stands at 6'7" and 200 pounds. He's played two years of NBA basketball, serving as a quality reserve for the Denver Nuggets and Toronto Raptors in that time.

A slashing wing with respectable scoring instincts and an improved defensive game, Forbes is the type of two-way player who can provide valuable minutes each night.

The truth of the matter is, Forbes' quality of play isn't the focus in this instance. This is not to slight him in any manner, but he's not a star, nor is he a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, if we're to base our evaluation off of past performances.

What Forbes is, however, is a strong athlete with size—two traits the Lakers have lacked along their perimeter for too long.

 

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