Darren

Collison

He played in three games for the Lakers last season and would like to have one last hurrah in the NBA. He’ll have no fantasy value even if he happens to land on a roster this season.

Collison originally and surprisingly retired at the age of 31, but with the state of the league as it is, he was given another shot with L.A. However, he committed fouls on made 3-pointers on consecutive possessions in the first half and didn’t do much to help this team, so if you were ever thinking about adding Collison, your fantasy team probably isn’t in great shape.

Collison returns to the NBA for the first time since he retired out of nowhere in 2019. The Lakers have five guards in league protocols, so Collison will provide some extra depth. He’s probably not worth a roster spot in fantasy leagues.

Collison has been toying with the idea of a comeback for the past couple years, but he seems a bit more serious this time, going through multiple workouts with multiple teams. Perhaps the 34-year-old point guard will be able to snag a minimum-level deal with an NBA team, but we wouldn’t expect him to have any fantasy value.

A signing on any of these guys is not imminent, and the Lakers could elect to bring in more guys at training camp before they commit to filling one of these final slots, but they are reportedly looking for a PG and a wing. Collison hasn’t played since 2019, and while he considered a return in 2020, he ultimately decided against it, so it’s a bit surprising to see him called in for a workout. James seems the most NBA-ready, as he played well for Brooklyn this past season, but none of these guys would have fantasy value in L.A.

The Lakers and Clippers were linked to Collison if he did return, but he’s informed both teams that “the timing isn’t right” for his return to the NBA. It remains to be seen if he ever returns, but in the meantime both L.A. teams are likely to turn their attention to the buyout market -- Reggie Jackson has been floated as a potential target for the Clippers.

This comes from Matt Barnes, who was texting with Collison on Thursday. The Clippers are reportedly a likely landing spot for DC if he does return, and they even waived Isaiah Thomas to potentially clear a roster spot. If Collison does return, he’d be an interesting add in the hopes that he gets significant minutes alongside Lou Williams.

The UCLA product has been working out and this report adds that he is not expected to make his decision until after the All-Star break. Collison basically serves as a buyout candidate and would add some depth to PG rotations. He is only a stash in the deepest of leagues.

Collison shocked the NBA world when he abruptly announced his retirement back in June. Just 31 years old, he was coming off a solid season, as he averaged 11.2 points, 6.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.0 triples on 46.7% from the field in 2018-19. In addition, Collison was one of only two players to average more than six assists and less than two turnovers per game last season. Woj notes that the Lakers and Clippers are emerging as his two preferred destinations. He’d be a major upgrade at PG for the Lakers. Should he return, Collison will likely see only limited playing time as he works his way back into game shape.

Still only 31 years old, Collison is coming off a strong season with 11.2 points and 6.0 assists per game which makes this very surprising. He was expected to have a solid market in free agency with the hope of joining a contender, but Collison is stepping away from the NBA to focus on his family and faith. “I receive so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in a worldwide ministry,” he said. “The joy I feel is unmatched.”