Free Agent Options for the Los Angeles lakers
With the majority of the Los Angeles Lakers cap space spent on Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Kendrick Nunn. The free agency options for the Lakers this offseason will be slim thin and must be chosen specifically to not only fit Darvin Ham’s system but positively impact the team. So with Rob Pelinka's focus on “3-point shooting, defense, energy and competitiveness” per the Athletics Jovan Buha. Here are free agents the Los Angeles Lakers should take a look at this offseason.
Point Guard
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Although the Lakers have Russell Westbrook as the starter and potentially Kendrick Nunn or Scotty Pippen Jr. as a backup. The Lakers are still in need of a floor general or reliable point guard off the bench. Options I like to back up Russell Westbrook include:
Delon Wright (PG/SG, Atlanta Hawks)
Elfrid Payton (PG, Phoenix Suns)
Jevon Carter (PG, Milwaukee Bucks)
Aaron Holiday (PG, Phoenix Suns)
Honorable Mentions: Avery Bradley, Dennis Schroder, Patty Mills, Chris Chiozza
Shooting Guard
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Last season with a field goal percentage of 47, a three-point percentage of 35, and a free throw percentage of 73. The Lakers this offseason will need to address their biggest needs in 3-point shooting, scoring, and shot creation. The shooting guard in question will have to fill in as a veteran or be a guard that can play in a 3-and-D role or scoring wing next to Russell Westbrook and LeBron James. As Max Christie, Austin Reaves, and Talen Horton-Tucker have to more develop before they are worthy of being in the starting lineup. However, with that being unknown and Malik Monk not guaranteed to return here are guards that Rob Pelinka should consider.
Malik Monk (SG, Los Angeles Lakers, For obvious reasons)
Garry Harris (SG, Orlando Magic)
Lonnie Walker (SG/SF, San Antonio Spurs
Jeremy Lamb (SG/SF, Sacramento Kings)
Jarrett Culver (SG, Memphis Grizzlies)
Josh Jackson (SG/SF, Sacramento Kings)
Honorable Mention: Wesley Matthews (SG, Milwaukee Bucks) and Bryn Forbes (SG, Denver Nuggets)
Small Forward
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When looking at the modern NBA, the shift to positionless basketball is something the Lakers have truly not adjusted to. As wings and 3-and-D players like your Mikael Bridges, PJ Tucker, etc. are taking over the NBA. Something Kevin Durant noticed days after the conclusion of this year’s NBA draft. Here are wings or 3-and-D free agents that Rob Plenika and the front office must go after.
TJ Warren (SF, Indiana Pacers)
Kevin Knox (SF, Atlanta Hawks)
Nicolas Batum (SF/PF, Los Angeles Clippers, Could return to Clippers)
Troy Brown Jr. (SF, Chicago Bulls)
Josh Okogie (SF, Minnesota Timberwolves)
Carmelo Anthony (SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers)
Honorable Mention: Joe Ingles (SF, Portland Trail Blazers), Jae’Sean Tate (SF/PF. Houston Rockets), Yuta Watanabe (SF/PF, Toronto Raptors), or Caleb Martin (SG/SF, Miami Heat)
Power Forward
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With Anthony Davis’s health always in question, the Lakers will have to look at options at the forward position. Furthermore, under Mike Bundenholzer’s system, Darvin Ham will likely be looking for a four who can stretch the floor, play defense, and pick up the momentum when Anthony Davis is not on the court. Here are forwards the Lakers should keep their eye on.
Blake Griffin (PF, Brooklyn Nets)
Eric Paschall (PF, Utah Jazz)
Jalen Smith (PF/C, Indiana Pacers)
Marvin Bagley (PF/C, Detriot Pistons)
Honorable Mention: Jordan Nwora (SF/PF, Milwaukee Bucks)
Centers/Big Men
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Similar to the power forward position, the Lakers will need to find a center or replacement big to pair with Anthony Davis in the paint. Because although the Lakers were sixth in points in the paint or top 15 in rebounding, defensively the Lakers will need a defensive anchor or a stretch five who is versatile on both ends of the court. Free agents that may fit Darvin Ham's philosophy include:
Mo Bamba (PF/C, Orlando Magic)
Damian Jones (C, Sacramento Kings)
Moses Brown (C, Cleveland Cavaliers)
Dwight Howard (C, Los Angeles Lakers, I would not be shocked if Dwight does return as he played under Darvin back in 2012-2013).
DeMarcus Cousins (C, Denver Nuggets, Can be a serious contender to be signed as Darvin Ham was the main reason he joined Milwaukee)
Honorable Mention: Bol Bol (C, Orlando Magic), Serge Ibaka (C, Milwaukee Bucks), and Bismack Biyombo (C, Phoenix Suns).
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