Following a season that had many ups and downs, from seeming like we wouldn’t even make the play-in round to losing in the Western Conference Finals to the eventual NBA champion Denver Nuggets. The Lakers are in the same situation as they were before, do they turn over the roster or keep the most of it together while making adjustments and filling in some of the gaps. In light of this, I’ve put up a list of players the Lakers ought to pursue before the start of the free-agent frenzy.
- Brook Lopez – A shot blocking stretch 5, who averaged 15ppg, 6 rebs, and 2.4 blocks while shooting 79% from the free throw line so he can make teams pay for fouling him.
- Mason Plumlee – An athletic center who can run the floor finish above the rim and catch lobs. Plumlee is also a rebounding machine who crashes the boards while also being a good passer.
- Mo Bamba – Bamba is the poor mans version of Brook Lopez, he can stretch the floor and block shots, but for some reason we didnt really get to see enough of him during his short stint with the Lakers. It has been reported that even though the Lakers decided to waive him there are whispers that they will bring him back on a smaller dollar amount deal roughly between $5-7mil.
- Cam Reddish – Cam isn’t the sexiest name on this list but given the skills that he has would be a steal if maximized by Phil Handy and the Lakers. He is an athletic and skilled player who can score, shoot, put the ball on the floor and defend. He has a 6-foot-8 frame with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, giving him great size and length for his position. He has a smooth shooting stroke and can hit threes off the catch or off the dribble. He is also a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes. A lot of untapped potential here.
- Kelly Oubre – Oubre is an athletic and energetic wing who can slash to the rim, finish in transition, and defend multiple positions. He has a 6-foot-7 frame with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, giving him great size and length for his position. He has a quick first step and a powerful dunking ability, making him a threat to score on the break or off cuts. He is also a versatile defender who can guard both forward spots and disrupt passing lanes with his long arms.
- Shake Milton – Shake is a dependable shooting guard with the ability to pass, shoot, and score. For the Philadelphia 76ers past season, he averaged 8.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 47.9% overall and 37.8% from three-point range. He is a threat from everywhere on the court because to his quick release and great three-point shooting range. In addition, he is a capable defender who can cover both backcourt spots and accumulate steals.
- Jevon Carter – Carter is a nice off the bench guard who has a quick release and excellent range on his three point shot, making him a threat from anywhere on the floor. He’s also a solid defender capable of holding his own by putting full court pressure against opposing guards.
- Yuta Watanabe – Watanabe is a versatile and energetic who can shoot and defend. He has a smooth shooting stroke and can hit threes off the catch or off the dribble. He is also a solid defender who can guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes with his long arms.
- Gabe Vincent – Gabe is your prototypical serviceable back up point guard, who can score, shoot and pass. He has a nice stroke from three- point range and isn’t a slouch on defense.
- Kevin Love – KLove is a veteran power forward who is an excellent rebounder, shooter, and passer. He has a soft touch around the basket and can stretch the floor optimizing the space for Anthony Davis and Lebron to operate in. Lastly, possessing the ability to pass, he can make plays for others from the high post or the perimeter.
As everyone is aware, the Lakers need to fine-tune their roster this offseason as they try to strengthen the supporting cast around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The free agents on this list would fit the Lakers’ culture and style while also offering versatility, playmaking, scoring, shooting, and defense. While they will be up against competition from other teams and have a finite amount of cap space, the Lakers will need to be resourceful and active in the free agent market. They might be back in the title race next season, though, if they can sign some of these free agents.
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