Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Top Priority Free Agents

Dec 13, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball around of Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) dunks against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Harrison Barnes

Let’s be clear — the only way the Golden State Warriors let a player of Harrison Barnes‘ caliber walk is if they are able to land Kevin Durant.

In that instance, their in-state rivals should definitely make a play for the consistent small forward.

Barnes’ numbers are down this season from last year due to injuries that caused him to lose time and the emergence of Draymond Green as the team’s third option on offense. That being said, his 37.3 three-point percentage and his defensive rating of 101.5 make him a valuable asset to the Warriors and an attractive one to the Lakers.

At the least, the Lakers needs a wing who can defend both the small forward spots and bring improved three-point shooting to a team that is the worst in the league from behind the arc (31.8 percent on the season).

While he’s not a budding superstar, Barnes is one of the most solid three-and-D players in the NBA and thrives in the role, having hit some crucial shots for the Warriors this season.

If the Lakers could bring Barnes on for a bargain, they’d be adding a player with defensive value, great shooting capability and, most importantly, championship experience.

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