Two Years Retired, Darren Collison Attempting Comeback

 

Darren Collison had a solid 10 year NBA career, and was on the verge of being offered significant free agent deals in 2019, when he suddenly retired, due to religious reasons. 

Now, at 34-years-old, Collison wants back into the NBA, and he has his sights set on the Los Angeles Lakers (who else?). When last seen in the league, he was a key piece of the Indiana Pacers, averaging 11.2 points and 6 assists. He has career marks of 12.5 points and 5 assists. 

Collison has already worked out for the Golden State Warriors, and has played pickup with both Warriors and Lakers players. As The Athletic's Anthony Slater said, "those in the gym when Collison visited said he looked solid — in basketball playing shape and showing flashes of his former self in a pickup setting.”

The Warriors are looking for some backup playmaking help for Steph Curry, so Collison is one of the names on their radar.

As for the Lakers, who also, like the Warriors, have a 15th roster spot to fill, Collins is hoping to get a training camp invite. 

As noted here on Wednesday, the Lakers have already expressed an interest in another retired guard trying to make a comeback, Monta Ellis. LA, it should be noted, already has a surplus of point guards, in Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Nunn.

Camp begins next week, but there have been reports that the Lakers might want to enter the season with that last spot open. 

Collison is hoping to change their mind. 

Photo Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports