3 notable free agents Los Angeles Lakers could actually sign in 2017

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Detroit Pistons (Restricted)

It’s unclear at this point what the Lakers’ plan for free agency is. Johnson recently told ESPN that he’s more concerned about spending money next offseason, but that doesn’t mean we can count the team out of making a splash this year.

That’s why I believe they could make a run at Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Although not a superstar per se, Caldwell-Pope is an excellent addition to any NBA lineup. He’s developed into a terrific 3-and-D wing, but it seems Detroit is ready to tear it down and start over. That could mean they opt to let him go via restricted free agency, or find a sign-and-trade partner this offseason.

The Pistons already tried to deal Caldwell-Pope prior to the 2017 trade deadline. Although a trade obviously never came to fruition, it seemed like a sign of Detroit’s willingness to ship him away. That could open the door for the Lakers to step in and give the former first round pick a more stable home in the NBA.

As a restricted free agent, Caldwell-Pope can be signed away for the right price. While the Lakers likely aren’t looking to sign any more massive deals during 2017 free agency, an opportunity to make an upgrade at shooting guard and on defense could convince Johnson to give up some of that remaining cap space.