Lakers take team option to bring back Jodie Meeks for 2013-14

Jodie Meeks will return to the Lakers next season.

Last summer, Meeks signed a two-year deal worth $3.05 million. The second season, at $1.55 million, became guaranteed on Wednesday when the Lakers exercised their team option.

“Jodie is not only a gifted three-point shooter who helps us space the floor on the offensive end, but he is also a very active and underrated player defensively who continues to work on and improve all aspects of his game,” said General Manager Kupchak. “He was an important member of our team last year and we look forward to having him back for the 2013-14 season.”

After a slow start, Meeks was able to contribute under Coach Mike D’Antoni until a high-ankle sprain knocked him out of the team’s first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs.

Meeks played in 78 games, averaging 7.9 points and 2.2 rebounds. He shot 38.7% from the field, 35.7% from behind the arc and 89.6% from the line.

While Meeks isn’t a lock-down defender, he gave D’Antoni a consistent effort -- providing the team some necessary hustle and foot-speed.

Keeping Meeks, at his inexpensive salary (relatively speaking), was not a difficult decision for Kupchak and the Lakers.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.