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

2. Thabo Sefolosha, SF, Atlanta Hawks

Unrestricted Free Agent
Age:  33
2016-17 Salary:  $3,850,000
2016-17 Stats:  7.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 44.1 FG%

Now it’s time to turn away from the big men and focus on the wing. While Brandon Ingram has limitless potential, it’s still relatively untapped and may take some more time to be fully realized. Why not add a proven veteran to provide the youngster with some support?

Thabo Sefolosha isn’t exactly a free agent worth raving about. He’s spent most of his 11 NBA seasons serving solely in a defensive role. The most points he’s averaged in a year is 7.8 per game, providing further evidence to the fact that he’s not much of an offensive threat. And yet, the talent he brings on the defensive end can’t be questioned, even at 33 years of age.

During the 2016-17 season, Sefolosha earned the 11th-best defensive rating in the NBA (via Basketball Reference). That’s the type of effectiveness the Lakers need moving forward. If it means paying more than the $3.9 million he made with the Atlanta Hawks a season ago, then so be it.

One way or another, the Lakers must get better on defense next year. While Sefolosha is limited offensively, he’d be a big-time difference maker on the wing. Coupling him with Ingram at small forward would give Los Angeles a well-rounded approach at the position.