Lakers Showing Interest in Gilbert Arenas

We all knew that the Los Angeles Lakers were having issues at the point guard spot, but apparently they've decided to hit the panic button only 19 games into the season.

Several reports have confirmed that the Lakers have begun kicking the tires of veteran Gilbert Arenas as a potential cure to their point guard woes.

From Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld, "The Los Angeles Lakers have expressed interest in Gilbert Arenas, according to sources close to the situation. The 30-year old is an unrestricted free agent after being amnestied by the Orlando Magic last month. No signing is imminent, but the Lakers have reached out to the veteran point guard."

League sources have indicated that Arenas would have no problem playing with the Lakers. Having grown up in Los Angeles, Arenas would be right at home with the Lakers and would get an immediate opportunity to earn some significant playing time.

The biggest question at this point, though, is whether or not Arenas would give the Lakers what they need out of their starting point guard. The Lakers are looking for a facilitator who can get the ball to their scorers while still providing a scoring threat to help keep the defense honest. They also need someone who has the speed and athleticism to keep up with the fastest, more-agile point guards around the league.

Although he's only 30-years old, Arenas has had numerous knee issues throughout his career that could hinder his ability to be effective on the court. The fact that he has had plenty of time off from basketball to recuperate should help, but the problems will more than likely still linger nonetheless. His locker room issues have been well-documented, which could also be a concern for the Lakers.

So far this season, the Lakers have been forced to settle with veteran Derek Fisher to handle the point guard duties. Although he's proven his worth time and time again with clutch shots and timely defensive plays, his age is clearly limiting his ability to be a constant offensive threat and efficient defender. Fellow veteran Steve Blake was playing well and even shooting impressively from three-point land, but a rib injury has him on medical leave for the time being. Rookies Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock have both exceeded expectations, but neither has shown that they are capable of handling the point guard duties night in and night out.

At 11-8, the Lakers are already resorting to the Hail Mary pass in hopes of giving themselves that extra push in the playoff race.

This move might seem like a potential solution to their problems, but Arenas' inconsistent play and lack of elite shooting skills as of late could keep the Lakers stuck in the mud if they do decide to bring him aboard.

The only excuse I can make for the Lakers at this point: desperate times call for desperate measures.

Like Kennedy said: nothing is imminent. So stay tuned as the situation develops.

Gil Alcaraz IV is a Los Angeles native and long-time Lakers follower. For more Lakers coverage, follow him on Twitter.