When it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s never too early to look at which big-name 2017 free agents could be on their radar come next offseason.
Right now, there isn’t too much optimism surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 2016-17 season. Most folks assume it’ll be another down year, with little progress made upon their 17-65 showing from a year ago. That’s why taking an early look at potential free agent targets isn’t the worst idea.
Every offseason, the Lakers are considered one of the biggest players during NBA free agency. However, as we’ve seen in recent years, there’s been little interest from top options due to the team’s futility on the court. That could change, however, if Los Angeles shows progress in 2016-17.
I’m expecting that to be the case, as you’ll see in my bold predictions for the Lakers.
As a result, there should be an overall increase in interest in signing with Los Angeles next offseason. It might not yield them a superstar, but it could open enough doors to land a proven playmaker. With so much young talent on the roster, that may be all they need to get back to the playoffs.
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So, without further ado, here’s my early look at five big-name free agents the Lakers could target next offseason.
Next: A Versatile Option In The Frontcourt
Orlando Magic PF Serge Ibaka
Let’s be honest–the Lakers’ biggest issue right now is the frontcourt. Julius Randle is an above-average starter at power forward, but Timofey Mozgov is no long-term answer at center and the depth is far from impressive.
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If the Lakers are going to be any bit competitive in the near future, they need more talented big men. They haven’t had a truly dominant big man since Pau Gasol, and even he was a tad inconsistent. That’s why targeting a player like Serge Ibaka would be a good idea.
Ibaka is a tough, versatile power forward who has continued to develop his range as his NBA career has progressed. Although his production dipped a bit towards the end of his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, there’s no denying he’s more than capable of upgrading the Los Angeles’ frontcourt.
He’s good enough as a shooter to serve in a stretch-4 role, and obviously dominates on defense with strong rebounding and instinctive blocking. While he may never be the star some thought, Ibaka can be an excellent asset for a Lakers team that needs more talent down low.
It’ll cost Los Angeles a pretty penny to sign Ibaka, but it would be well worth the investment.
Next: A Familiar Face At PF
San Antonio Spurs PF Pau Gasol
Three offseasons ago, Pau Gasol left the Lakers after a couple of tumultuous seasons with the team. Since then, he’s played two years with the Chicago Bulls and recently signed with the San Antonio Spurs. Despite his 36 years of age, the Spaniard still has it.
While it’s uncertain if a rekindling of his previous relationship with the Lakers is of any interest, and it’s worth noting he’d have to opt out of the final $16.2 million of his two-year contract, it wouldn’t be the worst idea for either side.
Los Angeles has completely rebuilt its roster since 2014, adding an exciting new head coach and plenty of young talent. The retirement of Kobe Bryant cost them their veteran leader, which is a role Gasol could fill with ease.
Gasol had some of his best years with the Lakers, especially during their back-to-back championship run from 2008-10. He’s obviously familiar with the franchise, and fans loved him (most of the time) during his days in Los Angeles.
Although he can be a bit inconsistent at times, it’s clear he’s still a star based on his 2015-16 campaign in Chicago. He averaged 16.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks for the Bulls, and should continue to shine in San Antonio this season.
If he keeps his play up throughout the 2016-17 campaign, it’s easy to imagine the Lakers having some interest in a reunion. They need help in the paint, and Gasol can give them the stretch-4 so many teams covet in today’s NBA.
Next: An Underrated Veteran Combo Guard
Golden State Warriors PG Shaun Livingston
The Lakers aren’t exactly devoid of talent at guard with two rising stars currently in the backcourt. However, the depth is a bit scarce, and there’s a lack of veteran leadership throughout the roster heading into 2016-17.
That’s where a player like Shaun Livingston could come into play.
Over the last few seasons, Livingston has solidified his status as an excellent second-team guard for the Golden State Warrriors. He’s excelled when asked to carry the offense, and makes a ton of hustle plays. Livingston’s smarts and instincts on the court are contagious, and the Lakers’ young playmakers could certainly benefit from his experience.
It’s unclear at this point if the Warriors plan on re-signing him, but they did pick up his $5.8 million team option for 2016-17. However, if he makes it to the open market next offseason, the Lakers would be wise to kick the tires.
Assuming he’s healthy, Livingston is one of the most underrated veteran combo guards in the NBA. He’d be an excellent resource for D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, and would give the Lakers’ bench a huge boost.
Next: One Of NBA's Premier Rim Protectors
Utah Jazz C Rudy Gobert
If the Lakers really are invested in upgrading the frontcourt, nabbing arguably the best center available next offseason would be ideal. Yes, I’m talking about Rudy Gobert, one of the game’s top rim protectors right now.
Blue Man Hoop
The problem is determining how much money it will cost to get him away from the Utah Jazz. Gobert’s current team will likely be desperate to retain his services, which won’t make signing him away easy for Luke Walton and Co.
Luckily, there are a couple of things leaning in the Lakers’ favor.
First, they have a much bigger market for Gobert to play in. Despite his star status, he’s not exactly a household name amongst NBA fans since he plays for the Jazz. Building his brand would be much easier out in Hollywood than it ever will be in Salt Lake City.
Second, they have a better core of young prospects. The future outlook is always bright for the Lakers, who are likely to turn things around in a couple of seasons. The Jazz appear to be stuck in a competitive stalemate, while Los Angeles is just a few pieces away from contending. If Gobert wants to remain relevant, the Lakers are the better team to do it with.
There will be a lot of suitors for Gobert’s services if he makes it to free agency. Assuming that’s the case, you better believe the Lakers will be right in the mix to sign the Stifle Tower.
Next: Stealing A Star From The Clippers?
Los Angeles Clippers PF Blake Griffin
Could you imagine the outrage that would ensue?
Blake Griffin signing with the Lakers would certainly ruffle some feathers around the league, but it’s not entirely out of the question. Sure, it would probably break some sort of unwritten rule in the NBA, but it makes sense for a couple of reasons.
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First, the Lakers need more help in the frontcourt. As I’ve already mentioned, Randle is still a bit of an unknown. He could be headed for a breakout season, but we could also watch him level out as an above-average starter. If that’s the case, the Lakers would likely look for a better option at the 4-spot.
Griffin will easily be the best power forward on the market, and would obviously be a welcomed addition for the purple and gold. He’s already familiar with the city, the stadium and the fans. The business interests he currently has in the city wouldn’t need to change — only the color scheme would. Put simply, he wouldn’t have to supplant the life he’s built to sign with the Lakers.
It’s a long shot, but the Lakers are likely desperate to add a proven presence in the paint. If Griffin doesn’t get the offer he wants from the Clippers, jumping from one rival to another wouldn’t be the craziest idea in the world. That is, if he even changes his mind about wanting to stay put (via Basketball Insider’s Steve Kyler).
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You better believe the Lakers will at least explore the option if it becomes available.