The Lakers and Russell Westbrook continue to be a bad fit, but L.A. might have its eyes on a possible replacement who would bring very different and more troubling baggage.
Miles Bridges — who is currently being investigated by the NBA after pleading no contest to felony domestic violence charges just two weeks ago — is reportedly drawing interest from multiple teams, including notably the Lakers and Pistons, according to The Athletic’s and Stadium’s Shams Charania. Both teams are said to be “monitoring” his free agency situation.
The 24-year-old restricted free agent point guard, whom the Hornets drafted 12th overall out of Michigan State in 2018, had a $7.9 million qualifying offer extended to him but Charlotte let it expire last month until his legal situation is resolved.
In July, Bridges’ wife, Mychelle Johnson, accused him of choking her until she passed out, breaking her nose and giving her a concussion in a disturbing domestic violence attack that the child the two share also allegedly was present for. As part of Bridges’ three-year probation for pleading no contest, he is required to complete 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling and 52 weeks of parenting classes, serve 100 hours of community service and undergo weekly narcotics testing, among other requirements.
Given the serious nature of the allegations, it’s possible Bridges could face a suspension whenever he does return.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are an abysmal 3-10 entering Friday’s game against the Pistons, who are even worse at 3-13. Both teams certainly need help.
Bridges had the best output of his career last season, with 20.2 points per game on 49.1 percent shooting (including 33.1 percent from the 3-point line) to go with seven rebounds and 3.8 assists in 2021-22.
But L.A. would only be able to sign Bridges if Charlotte renounces his restricted free agency rights as they are over the hard cap and therefore can’t do a sign-and-trade. There is also the league’s investigation.
Also of note, though, is that Bridges is a client of Klutch Sports, which was founded by LeBron James’ close friend and agent Rich Paul.