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.
Gary Harris, SG, Denver Nuggets
More than likely, the Lakers will move on from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope next offseason. I don’t see him as a long-term answer for Los Angeles at shooting guard — this was just an opportunity for him to prove his worth and cash in while allowing Magic to build a relationship with Rich Paul.
For those of you who don’t know, Paul is the agent of Caldwell-Pope and LeBron, among others.
Assuming Caldwell-Pope heads elsewhere in 2018, the Lakers will need a replacement at the 2-spot. Jordan Clarkson seems best suited coming off the bench if he isn’t traded away at some point this season, so I don’t think he’s the obvious choice. One restricted free agent who could change the game for Los Angeles, though, is Gary Harris of the Denver Nuggets.
While not a household name among NBA fans, Harris has quietly come on as one of the league’s top up-and-coming two-way guards. Not only is he a terrific shooter, but he’s a tremendous defender who wins with tough, tenacious play on both ends.
The Nuggets seem invested in getting a deal done before the deadline. Doing so would be a very smart move for their future prospects. However, if Harris does make it to restricted free agency in 2018, you better believe the Lakers will at least kick the tires.
Clint Capela, C, Houston Rockets
Personally, I’m a huge fan of Clint Capela. The young center isn’t seven feet tall and won’t kill you with his jumper, but he’s as feisty as they come and he wins with a relentless motor. We’ve seen a rapid ascension from him in the last year or two, which is why he’ll be such an appealing free agent.
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It also helps that the Lakers are likely to need a center next offseason. Brook Lopez is set to be a free agent, and probably won’t want to re-sign for what Los Angeles is willing to pay. Assuming that’s the case, there’s a good chance Magic and co. decide to see what’s available on the open market.
Capela would be a tremendous addition to this lineup. First and foremost, he’d bring a true rim protector to the roster. While Lopez is an excellent offensive threat at center, he doesn’t offer the defensive assets that someone like Capela does. Bringing the Rockets big man in to lock down the paint would do wonders for the Lakers’ shoddy defense.
Although Capela isn’t an overly exciting option on offense, he did average 12.8 points per game a season ago. He’s a ferocious dunker and creates second chances with his rebounding prowess.
More than likely, the Rockets aren’t going to let Capela get away next offseason. Even with what should be a very large 2018 cap figure, they’ll use his Bird Rights to keep the Switzerland native in Houston. Like Harris, though, the Lakers would have to be interested if he were available.
Jabari Parker, PF, Milwaukee Bucks
At this moment, Jabari Parker is a huge unknown. He’s coming off his second ACL tear since entering the league, leaving significant doubts about his ability to stay healthy. Despite that, the potential he possesses is hard to ignore.
The former No. 2 overall selection has flashed the elite physical skills that made him such a hot commodity on draft day. Unfortunately, his inability to stay healthy has kept him from emerging as the star he’s capable of being. Still, the Milwaukee Bucks will have a difficult time letting him walk via free agency in 2018.
The problem is that he’s seeking a max contract (via Gery Woelfel). It’s not going to be easy for the Bucks to dish out that type of dough for a player with serious knee issues. The Lakers, however, should have the cap space to meet his demands if they only land one superstar next offseason.
Would it be a risky move? Absolutely. Parker can be a dynamic talent, but multiple ACL tears is a bad sign for a player’s long-term outlook. In the end, it could come down to how he plays this season when he is finally ready. Can he show enough to convince teams he’s worth the max contract he apparently desires?
If he goes off upon his return, I believe the Lakers have to at least consider making him an offer. Parker is a rising star when his knees are intact. Adding him to a lineup that potentially includes players like James/George, Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram would be a wise investment.
Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
The holy grail of restricted free agents. Joel Embiid will undoubtedly get an abundance of interest if the Philadelphia 76ers fail to extend him before the Oct. 16 deadline. If that’s the case, the Lakers better be one of the teams battling for an opportunity to sign him to an offer sheet.
I don’t think I really need to explain this one, but I will. When healthy, Embiid has the look of an elite offensive center who also shines on the defensive end. While the whole health part is a serious concern seeing as he’s only played in 31 games over three seasons, what we have seen has folks around the league buzzing about the former No. 1 overall pick.
Now on the surface, it makes perfect sense for the 76ers to get a deal done with Embiid. He’s a key piece to “The Process,” and his presence seems to make this arduous rebuild worth the pain. However, if his struggles with staying on the floor continue in 2017-18, maybe they opt against dropping big money on an injury-prone center.
If that’s the case, someone is going to be brave enough to roll the dice on Embiid. I wouldn’t be surprised if Magic was the type to see the upside and dish out the money needed to get the former Kansas sensation under contract.
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Teaming a healthy Embiid with the likes of LeBron/Paul George, Ball and the Lakers’ other young prospects would make this club a contender overnight. It’ll cost a pretty penny to do so, but that’s what it sometimes takes to put together a championship roster.