If the Los Angeles Lakers decide to tap back into the free agency pool in 2017, one of these players could be the next new guy to don the purple and gold.
Right now, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ roster is almost full with less than a month to go before 2017 training camp tips off. There are 19 players currently under contract, meaning one more body can be added before the Lakers hit their limit.
As it so happens, there are a number of intriguing free agents still out there for the signing. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all worthy of playing for the Lakers or are even capable of making the 15-man roster. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to bring another aboard in hopes of making this a better team in 2017-18.
Regardless, it’s not going to keep me from speculating — it’s one of my favorite things to do. That’s why I’m going to take a look at a few current free agents who could come into play for the Lakers in the next couple of months. They all offer some value, and likely wouldn’t require more compensation than Los Angeles can handle.
More than anything, I’m focused on pinpointing players that could potentially make this Lakers roster better. I know Magic Johnson probably isn’t going to find any diamonds in the rough at this point. At the same time, it doesn’t hurt to try.
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So here they are — three free agents the Lakers could still sign in 2017. They may not be homerun additions, but they’d all bring something to this squad as training camp looms just around the bend.
Shabazz Muhammad, SF
I’m a big fan of high-upside fliers, especially cheap ones. When I take a look at the Lakers’ current roster, I don’t see a ton of them as we inch closer to the start of training camp. Shabazz Muhammad, however, fits the bill well enough.
Sure, he’s been a bit of bummer through four NBA seasons. The former lottery pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves hasn’t quite lived up to the buzz that surrounded him coming out of UCLA. And yet, there’s still got to be some untapped potential there — a team just needs to give him a shot.
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So why shouldn’t that team be the Lakers? It’s not like they have a ton to lose heading into the 2017-18 campaign.
More than likely, they’ll be a subpar team in a loaded Western Conference. This season will be more about developing young talent, continuing to roll out Magic Johnson and Luke Walton‘s long-term plan and showing enough on the court to lure in top free agents. Muhammad may not fit that plan perfectly, but he’d be a solid roll of the dice nonetheless.
It also helps that Muhammad is a Long Beach native who played his college ball in Los Angeles. Signing with the Lakers would be an opportunity to return to his old stomping grounds, where he was seen as a rising star in the basketball world.
Considering he’s lasted on the market this long, Muhammad could likely be convinced to sign for the four-year veteran minimum of $1.57 million. It’s not a lot of money, but it gives him an opportunity to prove himself in one of the NBA’s biggest markets. A strong season could even convince the Lakers to let him be a part of the massive turnaround scheduled for next year.
Gerald Green, SG
It’s been a quiet offseason for Gerald Green, a battle-tested guard who simply hasn’t garnered much of any interest on the open market. Apart from a sliver of interest from the Timberwolves back in July (via KSTP’s Darren Wolfson), it’s been slow for the 10-year NBA veteran.
Maybe the Lakers can change that.
As we saw this last season, Green is still capable of contributing quality minutes. In 47 appearances (11.5 minutes per game) with the Boston Celtics, he averaged 5.6 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game. On top of that, he shot 40.9 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from downtown.
Obviously the Lakers don’t have a huge need on the wing. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Brandon Ingram have the 2 and 3 spots locked down. Jordan Clarkson and Josh Hart will provide depth at shooting guard, while Luol Deng, Kyle Kuzma and Corey Brewer will do the same at small forward. And yet, age (or lack thereof) and/or injury concerns linger at both positions.
Green would bring some added athleticism and 3-point shooting, both things Los Angeles lacks off the bench. He’s a high-flying scorer whose game has improved after a disappointing start to his NBA career. While not a standout defender, he’s capable of getting the job done on the perimeter as well.
The best part? Green is at the point where a veteran minimum deal is his only option. It’s the Lakers’ preferred option, so a potential partnership here makes some sense if the need arises.
Andrew Bogut, C
As much as he’s traveled over the last year or two, Andrew Bogut is still a quality contributor. It just so happens the Lakers could use another option at center. Do you see where I’m going with this?
Right now, Bogut is still working his way back from a fractured tibia suffered back in March. That occurred not long after he landed with the Cleveland Cavaliers following a short stint with the Dallas Mavericks. Now that he’s nearing full health, the 2005 No. 1 overall pick is looking for his next landing spot.
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I believe the Lakers make sense for a couple of reasons.
The first is that Los Angeles wouldn’t/shouldn’t mind another quality veteran in the frontcourt. Brook Lopez is obviously set as the starter, but the best options behind him are young and inexperienced. Ivica Zubac offers upside, but is still a ways away from being a full-time starter. Thomas Bryant is also a raw prospect who needs more time before he’s ready for big minutes. Bogut could step in as a dependable backup who can tag team with Lopez in the mentor role.
Second is that he could likely be signed with the Lakers’ room exception. It’s worth up to $4.3 million, and can be used to sign someone while going over the cap. After how last season went, I believe Bogut would be lucky to land a deal like that.
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The Lakers need to make sure they’re competing in 2017-18. That’s the only way they’re going to convince superstars like LeBron James and Paul George to sign next offseason. Bringing Bogut aboard would help them in that endeavor.