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5 Free Agents The Los Angeles Lakers Could Still Sign

By Gil Alcaraz IV

Mar 23, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) celebrates his three point basket late in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) celebrates his three point basket late in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Donatas Motiejunas Los Angeles Lakers
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

PF Donatas Motiejunas

Yes, Donatas Motiejunas comes with a lot of red flags. He’s constantly battling injuries, and is still on the open market (as a restricted free agent) largely due to a back problem that made the 2015-16 season a bad memory.

Although he’s said to be 100 percent healthy, no one has come calling to sign the power forward.

That, however, could be a blessing in disguise for the Lakers.

The 25-year-old Lithuanian is an excellent asset at the 4 spot–when healthy. He’s got the range to serve as an exceptional stretch-4, and the size and tenacity to still be effective when battling inside.

The tools are all there for him to be a terrific addition to any NBA lineup, but the durability is clearly turning teams off.

Considering the Lakers’ current roster, though, they could use some proven playmakers. At this point, Los Angeles has little more than high-upside prospects with limited experience. It’s a great foundation to build upon, but consistent wins are far from guaranteed.

Adding Motiejunas would give the Lakers flexibility at power forward while providing them more options off the bench. Heck, a healthy Motiejunas may even be able to push Julius Randle for some starts.

It would be a risky move, but it’s worth the potential rewards in my opinion.

Next: A Streaky Scorer Who Wants Big Bucks

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