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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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J.R. Smith Los Angeles Lakers
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

SG J.R. Smith

OK, I’ll admit this is a bit of stretch. With that being said, J.R. Smith is technically a free agent right now, and will likely be looking for big bucks.

The Lakers happen to have big bucks to spend–at least if Young is moved.

At this moment, all signs point to Smith re-signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s enjoyed quite a bit of success during his time in Ohio, and shouldn’t expect anything else if he comes back. However, it’s clear based on the fact he doesn’t have a contract that talks aren’t going his way.

While it’s worth noting that his agent, Rich Paul, likes to play hardball, I’d imagine Smith getting anxious with no contract in place. It may even get to the point where he opens the door for another team to table an offer, which he hasn’t done since free agency started.

If that door was to open, I’d think the Lakers would at least be somewhat interested. Smith is a headcase like Stephenson, but offers more stable production and a higher ceiling. When he’s hot, he’s among the best shooters in the NBA–especially from three-point range.

I’m not saying that it would happen or even should happen. However, signing Smith wouldn’t be the worst idea for the Lakers if the opportunity presented itself.

More hoops habit: 5 Bold Predictions for Lakers' 2016-17 Season

It wouldn’t be any worse than that Timofey Mozgov deal, that’s for sure.

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