Lakers May Bring Tyronn Lue Back
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This is how Lakers fans remember Tyronn Lue. Unfortunately, it may be the last time he played good defense.
General Manager Mitch Kupchak has said the Lakers are not just looking to bring in a stop-gap backup point guard while Jordan Farmar is out for a couple months after knee surgery. But if the rumors out there are true, the Lakers are looking to do just that by getting Tyronn Lue.
But Lue's status appears to be up in the air as well. It is believed the Bucks have an offer on the table from the Los Angeles Lakers for Lue, with the Bucks receiving veteran big man Chris Mihm in return.There have also been rumors that Lue could be dealt to Oklahoma City, perhaps as part of a package deal with teammate Charlie Villanueva.
Lakers fans have fond memories of Lue, who stepped up his defense on Allen Iverson in the NBA Finals in 2001, helping Los Angeles hang another banner. Plus, Phil Jackson likes to bring in players who already know his triangle offense and do not need a mid-season crash course.
The problem is, what Lakers fans remember as great defense from Lue is probably the last time he played any. His reputation around the league is as a poor defender, and so far this season opposing point guards are tearing up Lue, shooting better than 60% against him. Lue is having trouble getting off the bench in Milwaukee behind Luke Ridnour and Charlie Bell, despite the fact those two have been battling injuries.
If the Lakers want an end-of-the-bench stop gap measure, Lue could be the guy. But do they really need that if Sasha Vujacic can step up?
