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Los Angeles Lakers: Top 10 Free Agency Options

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) posts up against Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) posts up against Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) gestures after making a basket against the Washington Wizards in the first quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) gestures after making a basket against the Washington Wizards in the first quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: DeMarre Carroll, UFA

Position: Small Forward

Age: 28

Experience: 6th Season

Slash Line: .487/.395/.702

Season Averages: 31.3 MPG, 12.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.7 3PM

Few players have done as much for their market value during the 2015 NBA Playoffs as Atlanta Hawks wing DeMarre Carroll. Not only is Carroll shining for the 60-win Hawks, but he’s doing something historic.

What Carroll has done over the past six games has only been duplicated by just one player in franchise history: Dominique Wilkins.

It’s worth noting that Wilkins did it in 20 consecutive games.

It’s unlikely that Carroll, 28, is just now entering the star-caliber stage of his NBA career. What is being seen, however, is that he’s more than just a reliable on-ball defender; he’s also a capable scorer.

According to Shaun Powell of NBA.com, the Lakers are one of many teams keeping their eye on the veteran wing.

"Interested teams must decide whether Carroll’s best years are indeed ahead of him, or if he’s a role player taking advantage of the Hawks’ system. With the salary cap expected to jump, the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks or Dallas Mavericks (among other teams) could force the Hawks’ financial hand."

It would behoove the Lakers to gamble.

Carroll may be a late bloomer, but he’s been a respected defender throughout his career. He’s also a big, strong and athletic small forward with a career mark of 36.6 percent from 3-point range.

If nothing else, Carroll can be the 3-and-D specialist who Los Angeles has been missing at small forward.

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