Apr 5, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat forward Willie Reed (35) knocks away the ball from Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Heat won 112-99. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

One of the teams best energy players for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2016-2017 season was Thomas Robinson. Should the Lakers pony up for him or go after free agent to be Willie Reed?

The Los Angeles Lakers received solid production last season from Thomas Robinson. When most people think of Robinson, they go back to his days at Kansas when tragedy struck. In January 2011, his mother and both grandparents passed away, all in a 3 week period. For anybody to overcome that would be an astronomical feat, let alone somebody who was playing college basketball on the biggest stage in the world.

During his junior year at Kansas, Robinson became a phenom. He was known for his courage and his knack for being the hardest working player on the Jayhawks squad. In that season he averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds per game. Those numbers, along with his projected ceiling, would propel him enough up the draft boards for the Sacramento Kings to take a chance on the young kid.

Not even halfway through his rookie year, the Kings inexplicably gave up on Robinson, dealing him to the Rockets for practically nothing in return. This was only the beginning for the former Jayhawk. Over the next 4 seasons, Robinson was either traded or waived by 5 different teams.

Going into the last offseason, there was some doubt about whether or not he would get another shot in the NBA. After all, he spent the 2015 season with the woeful Brooklyn Nets and didn’t produce much of anything there. If he can’t produce on one of the worst teams, where would his fit be?

The Lakers came calling with an offer of $1 million for one year. Thomas couldn’t turn down the opportunity to play in Los Angeles with his limited options.

He made the most of his chances when Luke Walton did decide to play the energizer bunny. Robinson only played in 48 games, averaging just under 12 minutes per game. In those 12 minutes, however, he would average five points and five rebounds respectively.

Thomas Robinson may end up being good for another team in the long run, but if he costs too much, the Lakers may take a look at signing Willie Reed.

Like T-Rob, Willie Reed spent the 2015 season with the Brooklyn Nets. During his time with the Nets, Reed was even less used that Robinson. Despite the little playing time, the PER 36 minutes tell a different story of Willie Reed.

Season Age Tm Lg Pos G GS MP FG FGA FG% 3P 3PA 3P% 2P 2PA 2P% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS 2015-16 25 BRK NBA C 39 2 426 6.4 11.2 .571 0.0 0.0 6.4 11.2 .571 2.5 4.6 .545 4.1 6.2 10.3 0.8 0.5 2.5 1.4 4.0 15.4

He decided to sign a small contract with the Miami Heat, with a player option for the 2017-2018 season. Reed spent most of the 71 games he took part in, coming off the bench. In the 5 games, that he started for the Heat, the play showed he could be a serviceable big in the NBA.

Willie Reed is a free agent to watch in July. He averaged 14.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.6 BPG as a starter. He could breakout with more playing time. pic.twitter.com/PBnvkzjArQ — Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) May 25, 2017

There was no doubt that Reed would test the free agent market this offseason, it was only a matter of time before he announced it.

Miami’s Willie Reed will decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent, league sources tell @TheVertical. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 1, 2017

The Lakers have two options here for a backup big. One is to pay a player who has reached his ceiling in Thomas Robinson. The other is to lure Willie Reed away from the Miami Heat. Do you think the Lakers should pursue Reed come July? Let us know in the comments below.