Los Angeles Lakers: 5 realistic targets during 2017 NBA free agency

5. Dewayne Dedmon, C, San Antonio Spurs

Unrestricted Free Agent
Age:  27
2016-17 Salary:  $2,898,000
2016-17 Stats:  5.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 62.2 FG%

As you’ll see with the upcoming names on this list, I’m focused on fixing the Lakers defensively — at least off the bench. Dewayne Dedmon fits the mold as a defensive-minded big man who shouldn’t cost too much on the open market.

Especially if the Lakers opt to move on from Tarik Black this offseason, Dedmon would be a terrific replacement as a backup center. Even with Timofey Mozgov and Ivica Zubac in the mix, the former Spurs paint protector could bring quality minutes off the bench.

The only problem is his lack of offensive skills. He’s not going to put consistent points on the board, but that’s not really what Los Angeles needs right now. Instead, they need to improve their defensive efficiency and presence on the glass when the second unit is on the floor. Dedmon more than addresses both of those issues at a reduced price.

Especially if Black isn’t back, Dedmon makes plenty of sense. There should be some suitors for the former 2013 undrafted free agent, but a one- or two-year deal at $4-$5 million annually makes sense for the Lakers. As long as he doesn’t cost much more than that, he’d be a welcomed addition to this Los Angeles lineup in 2017-18.