3 Reasons the Los Angeles Lakers should move for Andre Roberson

Andre Roberson is a player that splits opinion among NBA fans. Some view the Thunder man as an unheralded defensive monster, whereas his detractors view him as a player who can single-handedly cripple a teams offense.

Roberson has missed the entire 18/19 season through a serious knee injury that he sustained against the Pistons back in January of 2018, although, after a series of injury setbacks on his road to recovery, the 27-year-old is expected to be ready to return for the start of the 19/20 season.

The New Mexico native has spent his entire career to date in Oklahoma City, although with his long-term future with the franchise in doubt, the Lakers should consider pursuing a move. Evidently, it will be tough for the Lakers to sign Roberson if they land a free-agent on a max deal, however, in the event that moves for Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis fail, here are three reasons Los Angeles should pursue Roberson.

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#3 The Thunder may be willing to give him up

Terrance Ferguson has emerged during Roberson's absence

Due to the Thunder's recent on-court wobbles, some Oklahoma City fans have clamored for Roberson's return, although for much of the season, the 27-year-old's absence was widely viewed as a blessing in disguise. Roberson's injury has provided a number of young player's with the chance to get minutes, and the trio of Abdel Nader, Terrance Ferguson, and Hamidou Diallo have all shown considerable development.

In particular, 20-year-old Ferguson has stood out, with the Oklahoma native now widely viewed as a major part of the franchise moving forward. Roberson's return to the team is only going to negatively impact the youngster's development, and the Thunder will eventually need to choose between Roberson and Ferguson. Nevertheless, a deep run in the playoffs coupled by Roberson's expiring contract could lead to the franchise going all in on Ferguson.

#2 He fits alongside the ball-dominant LeBron James

Roberson is most effective off the ball, which is something that the Los Angeles Lakers are looking for

LeBron James is still arguably the NBA's best player and despite his incredible playmaking ability, teammates must be willing to make sacrifices in order to play alongside the 15-time All-Star. Despite playing as a forward, LeBron is a player that demands to have the ball in his hands, and the Lakers need to surround their star man with players that can make an impact off the ball.

Having spent a number of years playing alongside Russell Westbrook, Roberson is well versed in adapting alongside a ball-dominant superstar, and the Lakers could utilize Roberson in a 3-and-D role. Admittedly, as a career 26% three-point shooter, Roberson still needs to work on his accuracy from range, however, his career-playoff percentage of 35% shows Roberson's potential to improve.

#1 Defensive Specialist

Andre Roberson is known for his ability to make defensive stops

While Roberson's game has plenty of shortcomings, there is no doubting his status as one of the NBA's elite defenders. Roberson was named to the 2017 All-Defensive team, and before sustaining a serious injury last January, many had tipped the forward as a potential candidate for the 2018 Defensive Player of the Year.

In addition to his individual recognition, Roberson's stopping ability has also made the Thunder a much better defensive team. Last season, OKC were 11.2 points per 100 possessions better defensively with Roberson on the floor, and during his absence, this season, OKC's defensive rating has continued to plummet.

Just like the Thunder, the Lakers have had an incredibly shaky defense all season long -- giving up 114 points per contest. James' defensive impact is also expected to further wane as he continues to age, and it makes sense for the franchise to bring in an elite defender such as Roberson.