Free agent forward Antawn Jamison may be 37-years old but a few teams are still interested into the former Los Angeles Lakers, according to SportingNews.com. The Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers and Charlotte Bobcats have all been looking into signing the 15-year veteran.
Jamison (9.4 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game last season) is leaving a Lakers team that finished seventh in the Western Conference last season after entering the fall with big expectations. Regardless of the Lakers woes, Jamison said he appreciates the experience. However, he will take more time to consider his next team.
"I think last year, getting the opportunity to play for the Lakers and their organization, I really jumped into it," Jamison said. "Didn't really view my options, but this year I really want to make sure I'm going to the right situation, where I have a good rapport with the coaching staff and also with management I'm able to communicate and get an understanding of what they want from me.
Many thought the Lakers offseason additions in 2012 would make them title contenders. Some pictured Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and Steve Nash as the Lakers very own "Big 3." However, things didn’t turn out as they were expected.
"Because it looks good on paper doesn't mean it's the perfect fit, so I really want to make sure the next team I go to, whether it's a one- or two-year deal, that it's a really good fit and we have a understanding with each other as well,” continued Jamison. “That's why you really have to take your time and key into what's best not just for me but for my family as well."
Jamison could help any team he joins. Although he is no longer the 25-point-a-night guy he was in his prime, he can still play either the three or four and provide a veteran presence in the locker room.
The UNC product was not happy his playing time last season, something that was not a secret. Despite his desire to be on the court more, and the other issues that plagued the Lakers (Mike Brown's firing, Kobe vs. Dwight and Mike D’Antoni being hired over Phil Jackson) Jamison is not dwelling on the experience and is ready to move forward.
"I made the money, accomplished a lot of things individually," he said. "I have a couple years left where I can compete night in and night out and really have an opportunity to enjoy basketball and not dealing with losses and other nonsense. I just want to have fun and be a part of something special."
