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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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Mar 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic (7) calls a play against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic (7) calls a play against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Goran Dragic, UFA

Position: Point Guard

Age: 29

Experience: 7th Season

Slash Line: .501/.347/.774

Season Averages: 33.8 MPG, 16.3 PPG, 4.5 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.2 3PM

The Los Angeles Lakers will return to their dominant ways by landing a big man who can control the interior. It simply wouldn’t hurt to land an established guard who can alleviate the pressure from Kobe Bryant.

Goran Dragic can be that player.

Dragic, 29, was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2013-14 after leading the Phoenix Suns to the brink of an improbable postseason appearance. It was a well-deserved honor for one of the most dynamic players in the league.

Thus, it should come as music to the Lakers’ ears that he’ll consider them in free agency, per Mark Medina of The Los Angeles Daily News.

"A person familiar with Dragic’s thinking said he “loves the opportunity” to join the Lakers and sees them as a “perfect fit” when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. But the Heat can sign Dragic a five-year deal worth up to $100 million, while other teams can offer up to a four-year deal worth $80 million."

That last part will be the key.

The Miami Heat, a team Dragic listed as a preferred destination before Pat Riley acquired him via trade, can offer a full $20 million season more. That’s intriguing for a player who’s nearing 30 and has never received a max contract before.

If Dragic is seeking a big role in a major market, however, the allure of the 16-time champion Lakers will be tough to overlook.

Next: Worth the Risk?

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