The Lakers' targets included Steve Kerr! "Our direction for reinforcement is very clear."
"Prioritize elite role players with low price tags and high compatibility."
"Prioritize 3-and-D wings, defensive enforcers, and accurate bench shooters."
The general manager swept his gaze across the room and laid down the core principles for strengthening the roster.
"Don't chase fame—chase fit. Don't stack superstars—stack toughness and depth."
The head scout immediately took over and brought up the pre-screened list of free agents.
After several rounds of selection, three players suited to the Lakers' system stood out.
Each of them could precisely address the Lakers' weaknesses and fit the OK Duo perfectly.
Everyone in the conference room focused on the names displayed on the screen.
The first reinforcement target: Adrian Griffin.
Twenty-five years old, a free agent, 1.96 meters tall, primarily a shooting guard and small forward.
He was one of the league's purest blue-collar defensive specialists.
The head scout immediately launched into a detailed, well-organized analysis.
"Griffin doesn't have flashy scoring numbers or impressive individual accolades."
"But he possesses elite perimeter defensive awareness and physical toughness."
"He moves laterally quickly, anticipates accurately, and excels at hounding the league's top scorers."
"He can defend from the one through the four and fits an unlimited-switching system."
This was exactly the perimeter defensive resource the Lakers needed most urgently.
If they faced the Knicks in the new season, Griffin's value would be irreplaceable.
He could stick to Jordan throughout the game, wearing him down and disrupting crucial shots to the greatest extent.
He could also rotate onto Allan Houston and Sprewell, the Knicks' two major perimeter threats.
That would effectively ease Kobe's defensive burden and allow the two stars to focus on offense.
"More importantly, he plays unselfishly, doesn't demand the ball, and fits the two-star core perfectly."