Los Angeles Lakers: 5 potential free agency targets in 2017
By Evan Massey
Which five free agents could be potential targets for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 NBA free agency?
The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to work their way back into contention in the near future, although they are a long way from that point. Magic Johnson started off that process by drafting UCLA’s Lonzo Ball with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, but needs to bring in some veterans to speed the process up.
Paul George is a name that has been linked to the Lakers a lot this offseason. He has made it clear that he wants out of Indiana and would prefer to sign with his hometown team. The Lakers have made the interest mutual and it is widely expected that George will either be traded to L.A. or will sign with the Lakers in free agency next offseason.
Looking at free agents in this offseason’s group, there are a few that appear to be good fits for Los Angeles.
If the Lakers want to get back into contention by next season, there are a few pieces that would make them a more intriguing free agency destination next offseason. George wants to return to Los Angeles, but he also wants to win. Having a team already prepared to compete would be much more attractive for George to join next offseason.
Los Angeles could create around $19.6 million in cap space by renouncing all their cap holds and exceptions. They could also shed salary by trading Corey Brewer‘s nearly $7.6 million expiring deal and dumping Luol Deng‘s contract somewhere.
The Lakers seem to be holding out for Paul George and LeBron James next summer, but if this feels like too much of a pipe dream, adding some talent this offseason for PG-13’s 2018 arrival might be the way to go. With all of that being said, which five free agents could make sense for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason?