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

1. Jonathon Simmons, SF, San Antonio Spurs

Restricted Free Agent
Age:  27
2016-17 Salary:  $874,636
2016-17 Stats:  6.2 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 42 FG%

Here’s another way for the Lakers to steal a Spur.

Realistically, a change of scenery would be best for Jonathon Simmons as he’s spent the last couple of years playing in the shadow of Kawhi Leonard. He’ll get his opportunity this offseason, especially since the Spurs likely don’t have the cap space to match many offers.

While the Lakers don’t have a ton of money to spend, adding Simmons would be worth the risk. He’s an underrated player who’s been hindered by limited playing time and opportunities. However, if he were to take his talents elsewhere, he could emerge as a legitimate playmaker for a number of teams.

We saw flashes of what he could do during the 2017 NBA Playoffs. When Leonard went down and Simmons was thrust into a starting role, he made the most of his opportunity. In San Antonio’s Game 2 loss to the Golden State Warriors, he put up 22 points while earning the praise of head coach Gregg Popovich. Those few performances likely made him some money this offseason.

Either way, the Lakers need to be interested. He’s more than worthy of significant minutes in Los Angeles, even if Paul George enters the mix next year.

Next: Boldly predicting Lakers' 2018-19 starting lineup

It’s not going to be easy securing Simmons’ talents when free agency begins. However, if the price doesn’t get too high for the restricted free agent, I could see the Lakers entering the mix due to his underrated skills and need for a fresh start. That is, if the Spurs even let him get away.