The Los Angeles Lakers are considering signing P.J. Tucker through the buyout market to strengthen their frontcourt depth. However, at 38 years old, there are doubts about how much impact Tucker can provide. The veteran forward, recently waived by the Toronto Raptors, has struggled with playing time and productivity in recent seasons.
Last season, Tucker averaged just 1.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per game across 31 appearances. Despite his low numbers, the Lakers might value his defensive skills and experience, especially as their defense has significantly improved in recent weeks.
The Lakers have been the NBA’s best defensive team since January 15th and have elevated their intensity after the All-Star break. However, signing Tucker wouldn’t completely fix their frontcourt issues. He is undersized for a power forward and doesn’t offer much offensively, lacking the rim protection that the Lakers need.
Although not a traditional big man, Tucker brings toughness, defensive versatility, and veteran leadership. If limited to short stints of 10-12 minutes per game, he could provide relief for key players while helping maintain defensive stability.
The biggest concern is Tucker’s declining offensive game. Once a reliable shooter from the corner, his three-point accuracy has significantly dropped in recent years. If he can rediscover even a portion of that form, he could give the Lakers a small boost from beyond the arc. However, it’s uncertain whether he can still deliver in pressure situations.
Another factor is whether Tucker would be motivated to join the Lakers at this point in his career. After playing for several teams recently, he might prefer a team where he can have a more defined role on a contender.
For the Lakers, any addition now would be about fine-tuning the roster for the playoffs. The arrival of Luka Doncic has transformed their offense, but they still need more frontcourt depth to sustain a deep postseason run.
While Tucker is no longer the impactful player he once was, his defensive mindset and willingness to battle against bigger opponents could still help in specific matchups.
Ultimately, signing Tucker would be a low-risk move that could offer occasional value but wouldn’t drastically change the Lakers’ outlook. If he can contribute solid minutes and hit a few open threes, it would be a bonus. However, the Lakers may still explore other frontcourt options as they gear up for the playoffs.
