Los Angeles Lakers: 4 restricted free agents team could target in 2018

When 2018 NBA free agency rolls around, the Los Angeles Lakers could very well take a swing at signing one of these restricted free agents if their two-superstar plan doesn’t pan out.

Let’s imagine a situation in which the Los Angeles Lakers only land one superstar during 2018 NBA free agency. Despite their best efforts, they get one of LeBron James and Paul George to ink a deal, but the other decides to his talents elsewhere.

If that’s the case, the Lakers should have plenty more spending power to work with. They could decide to use it to add a couple of quality pieces around their new acquisition. Another option could be to go for broke and use that cap space to steal a restricted free agent. It’s a risky move considering it potentially ties up money, but it could pay dividends if done correctly.

As it so happens, there are a number of top-tier restricted free agents who could be available in 2018. The deadline for these players to sign extensions is Oct. 16 — failure to put pen to paper by then will result in them hitting the open market as restricted free agents in July.

If the right pieces fall into place, Magic Johnson and co. absolutely need to consider signing one of these restricted free agents to an offer sheet next offseason.

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So here they are — the four restricted free agents the Lakers should consider during 2018 NBA free agency. They’d all be welcomed additions as this new regime tries to pull off a dramatic, short-term turnaround.