Los Angeles Lakers: Big names to avoid during 2018 NBA free agency

The Los Angeles Lakers must make smart decisions with their money during 2018 NBA free agency. Signing any of the following big-name players would not fall under the “smart decision” category.

Right now, the Los Angeles Lakers are engulfed in speculation about their 2018 NBA free agency plans. Will they get LeBron James and Paul George? If not, who could they target as a Plan B? Can they find a way to re-sign Julius Randle?

So many questions, and not enough answers.

Unfortunately, we won’t get any of the answers we’re looking for until early July, when the market officially opens. Until then, all we can do is wonder about and make predictions on what the future could hold — both for the Lakers, their top free agent targets and the rest of the league.

However, instead of taking the typical approach of pondering who belongs in purple and gold next season, I’m going to tell you who doesn’t. More specifically, I’m going to pinpoint a few potential big-name free agents the Lakers shouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole.

For one reason or another (although you’ll quickly notice a trend), the following players I’m about to highlight (or lowlight?) aren’t worth their weight in max contracts. I know the Lakers have the cap space to spend and may have to look elsewhere if James or George don’t sign, but I can assure you inking any of these players would be a regrettable decision.

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With that in mind, here are three big-name free agents that should be avoided at all costs by the Lakers during 2018 NBA free agency. Otherwise, Magic Johnson will soon be wishing he had a time machine.