After getting bought out by the Houston Rockets, indications are that Ty Lawson could be heading to the Indiana Pacers. According to The Vertical's Shams Charania, Lawson has reached a deal with the Indiana Pacers to join them for the rest of the season.
Free-agent guard Ty Lawson is in strong discussions on a possible deal with the Indiana Pacers, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 3, 2016
The Pacers are hoping that Lawson resembles the player he was when he played with the Denver Nuggets -- not the player he has been this season with the Rockets. Lawson is 28 years old and after dealing with some substance problems in the past, he cleaned up his act and was a true profesional in Houston. However, he was just not a good fit in the backcourt with James Harden and found himself out of Houston's rotation rather quickly. In 53 games with the Rockets, Lawson averaged 5.8 points and 3.4 assists in 22.2 minutes.
The Pacers don't have a strong need for Lawson as George Hill is their starting pointing guard and is frankly much better. However, Indiana has been relying on rookie Joe Young to lead their second unit and the Pacers may want Lawson for his veteran experience off the bench. Rodney Stuckey has been dealing with a number of different injuries this season which could be another reason why the Pacers are targeting Lawson.
The Pacers are currently seventh in the East but have been on a bit of skid and Paul George even recently questioned the team's toughness. Nothing is official yet, but should Indiana add Lawson, here's to hoping he can be the missing piece that can help ensure their postseason berth. Of course Houston also had high hopes for Lawson and that didn't work out too well.
Of note, Lawson is ineligible for the playoffs should the Pacers reach the postseason. The deadline to be playoff eligible was Tuesday, March 1st.
