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

4. Patrick Patterson, PF, Toronto Raptors

Unrestricted Free Agent
Age:  28
2016-17 Salary:  $6,050,000
2016-17 Stats:  6.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 40.1 FG%

If you just look at his stats, it’s easy to think Patrick Patterson is an underwhelming option considering his salary. However, if you watched any significant amount of Toronto Raptors basketball this past season, you’d know why he belongs on this list.

Even with a higher price tag than every other player on this list. Patterson would be worth a short-term investment by the Lakers. He’s one of those glue guys who may never be a standout player, but his hard work, tenacity and intangibles make everyone around him that much better.

That’s why he’s a guy Los Angeles should seriously consider this offseason. He isn’t too pricey, as his overall cost shouldn’t change much from his previous deal. Assuming that’s the case, he’d bring a dependable veteran presence and unquenchable work ethic to the frontcourt. I’m sure youngsters like Julius Randle and Zubac could learn a thing or two from him.

Especially with Thomas Robinson unlikely to return, the Lakers need to replace the lost depth at power forward. While Patterson would cost much more than Thomas did last year, his presence would be worth the price of admission — especially if Black is shown the door.