<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"># Morris Peterson: The former Flint and Michigan State player has been courted by Utah, Cleveland, Denver, Miami and Sacramento. Peterson, a seven-year veteran, will turn 30 in August. He would provide another potent scorer off the bench. # Ruben Patterson: Patterson is coming off his career-high scoring season, but the Bucks want no part of him. He would provide defensive toughness and present a nice change of pace subbing for Tayshaun Prince. He's 32 and has baggage, but he wouldn't cost the Pistons the full mid-level. # Mickael Pietrus: He is restricted, which means the Warriors can match any offer. He's athletic and has shown flashes of greatness. It would be a coup if the Pistons could land him. # Desmond Mason: He's limited offensively, despite above-average athleticism. # Matt Barnes: He had a breakout year with the Warriors and was one of their best players in the playoffs. He's an aggressive 6-foot-7 wingman who showed the ability to attack the basket and score. He has a limited perimeter game but would be an upgrade over Carlos Delfino. He's 27 and just entering his prime. # Sasha Pavlovic: A longshot, but his length and quickness on the perimeter hurt the Pistons' offense in the playoffs. The Cavaliers are expected to match any offer. Elsewhere, there was no movement in the negotiations between the Pistons and Chauncey Billups. A five-year, $60 million structure is still on the table, awaiting Billups' final approval or a workable counteroffer. And the Pistons finally got what they've long wished for -- a closer NBDL team. The Developmental League added two new franchises, including one in Fort Wayne, Ind., which will be the Pistons' affiliate -- bringing the franchise full-circle. The Pistons initiated in Fort Wayne in 1948. The last two years, the Pistons' affiliate was in Sioux Falls, S.D.</div> Source: Detroit News The article was written for the Pistons free agent needs, but the Lakers have a similar hole to fill at the small forward/wing position. This is a list of potential free agents available. All these players are athletic and defensive minded.
From all the players on that list, I would love to take Matt Barnes. I see him being a really good fit next to Kobe.
<div class="quote_poster">CLos Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I see Ruben Patterson/Morris Peterson being a good fit for the Lakers.</div> I agree with Mo Pete, he'd be perfect for the Lakers squad and I like his attitude. Real team player.
<div class="quote_poster">christhn Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">We should get Ruben Patterson. Imagine teaming up Kobe with the Kobe Stopper! </div> I'm kind of with you here. Mo Pete wouldn't be that bad either.
None of these players can put us into the 2nd round, we need another star player or we will end up losing again and then kobe will definately leave.
I like the thought of adding Mo Pete. He brings a lot of what the Lakers need. He's a pretty good defensive player and he's solid on offense as well. He'd give us another consistent outside shooter not named Kobe Bryant and in general a solid 3rd option (assuming we stand pat with the roster).
I like Mo as well as Barnes. What are the chances of us signing up more defense? We need that clearly.
i always liked mo in toronto. i like to see him in lakers but barnes would be better. he would get a smaller contract unless the playoffs upped his money a lot
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I agree with Mo Pete, he'd be perfect for the Lakers squad and I like his attitude. Real team player.</div> You got it right on the team player part. Mo Pete's been through a lot and obviously he'd love to play big minutes anywhere he goes, but when he was faced with no more than 20 minutes per game last season he took it like an absolute professional. Never once did he gripe about his lack of playing time and he still gave it his all in the minutes he did get, providing game-winning heroics on several occasions. He'd be a great player to come off the bench for the Lakers with his shooting from the corners and running the fast break, but after his unhappiness with Toronto last season coming off the bench, he'd look to be at least the sixth man wherever he goes.
The Jazz are apparently the front runners for Morris Peterson, I don't think the Lakers have shown any interest yet. Either way, I don't really think we should pursue Morris with the MLE, unless we have another trade that can land us a veteran point guard or center. Morris Peterson does not fill any of our needs at this point. I would love to have him on the squad, but what will happen to our point guard position? I do not feel comfortable heading into the season with Jordan Farmar and Jarvis Crittenton as our two primary point guards. They are too young and unproven to be given signifigant minutes, or even a starting spot in an 82 game season. Our MLE would be better off used if we could land a veteran point guard like Charlie Bell, Steve Blake, or split it with Derek Fisher. Also, with Chris Mihm appearing to go elsewhere, it wouldn't hurt to add more depth at the big man position either. Morris Peterson is a great player, and I would love to have him on the Lakers, but he doesn't fill a need at this point. (unless he can play point guard in the triangle offense)
