Why Nicolas Batum Must Sign With Lakers

Nicolas Batum, the three-and-D Frenchman, is reportedly considering ‘talking with the Lakers’ as free agency gets under way this Friday. Here’s why Batum would be a perfect fit under new Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton.

Brad Turner of LA Times reported Wednesday that Nicolas Batum is weighing his options in free agency.

For several months, it was a foregone conclusion that Batum would return to Charlotte Hornets, where he put up career-best numbers of 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists this season.

Last month, FIBA.com reported “the French player and the Hornets will quickly agree terms on a new deal and that could give France enough time to obtain insurance for Batum and allow him to take part in some of the OQT (Olympic Qualifying Tournament) games.”

Nicolas Batum’s max contract would start with a first year salary of 26.6 million. Hornets, who own his Bird Rights, would be able to offer a more lucrative five-year deal. Some would question if a player with a career scoring average of 11.7 is worth that much.

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In fairness, Batum’s value can’t be gauged by stats. He’s a younger Andre Iguodala sans the athleticism, but gifted with similar basketball IQ, passing ability and defensive awareness. Batum is still 27 and about to enter his prime.

Why Batum should consider the Lakers:

The Purple & Gold is in need of an alpha male. Batum has never enjoyed that role in his career. In Portland, he played second fiddle to LaMarcus Aldridge and later Damian Lillard.

In Charlotte, Batum became the primary playmaker, averaging more assists than point guard Kemba Walker, but he never became the focal point of the offense. It’s Walker who takes the buzzer beaters in Buzz City.

In Los Angeles, Batum would take a backseat to nobody. The current Lakers projected starting five has one rookie (Brandon Ingram), one sophomore (D’Angelo Russell), Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson. None of those youngsters are ready to impact the game on both ends of the floor like Batum.

Also, Batum would no longer remain a fringe all-star. The bright lights of Hollywood would allow Batum to maximize his earnings both on and off the court.

And finally, the Lakers have a truckload of cap space but not enough stars willing to play for them, at least in recent years. Someone needs to go to L.A. and make all that money. Why not Nicolas Batum?

Why Lakers should consider Batum:

Batum would allow No. 2 pick Brandon Ingram to be eased into the starting lineup. It’s very likely that Ingram starts the season coming off the bench. Due to his physical shortcomings, it’s hard to foresee Ingram going up against LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Kevin Durant.

Ingram isn’t ready for that kind of a responsibility.

If Luke Walton intends to run a Golden State Warriors-inspired offense, he would require a lot of playmakers on the court.

Randle has shown the ability to make good outlet passes. D’Angelo Russell is expected to blossom into an elite passer. Adding Batum to that starting lineup would give Walton the required tools to run the motion offense.

Also, think of the length featuring a small-ball unit of Russell, Batum, Ingram, Nance and Hassan Whiteside (if he comes on board). We’re talking wingspans of 6’9″, 7’4″, 7’3″, 7’3″ and 7’7″.

They could become a nightmare on defense just like the Warriors, who thrive off of length on the perimeter.

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Nicolas Batum is being courted by Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards and Golden State Warriors, per various reports. Where will he wind up? If he desires instant success, Lakers don’t fit the bill. But It would be a gutsy move that could pay off in the long run.