Lakers express interest in small forwards Nick Young, Brandon Rush

Looking to bolster one of the weakest benches in the league, the Lakers have made preliminary inquiries to the representative of free-agent small forwards Nick Young and Brandon Rush.

Both are considered solid long-distance shooters but also beyond the Lakers’ price range.

Young, 27, averaged 14.2 points last season but only 9.7 points in 22 games after the Clippers acquired him from Washington at the trade deadline. Young, who played at Reseda Cleveland High and USC, is probably too expensive for the Lakers’ spending limit of $3 million, the so-called “mini” mid-level exception.

Rush is a restricted free agent, meaning Golden State can match any offer sheet he signs. The Lakers would more likely acquire him via trade, though nothing was imminent. Rush recently received a qualifying offer from the Warriors for $4 million, which prevented him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Rush, 26, averaged 9.8 points and shot 50% last season as a reserve. He had an impressive 45% accuracy from three-point range.

The Lakers also discussed the possibility of adding backup big man Lou Amundson, who averaged 3.5 points last season with Indiana.

When free agency began Saturday night, the Lakers immediately made contact with three of their own players who became free agents: Ramon Sessions, Jordan Hill and Devin Ebanks.

The Lakers do not have to adhere to the $3-million allowance for their own free agents, making it potentially easier to sign them.

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