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2017 NBA free agency: 3 big names Los Angeles Lakers could still sign

By Gil Alcaraz IV

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 13: Derrick Rose #25 of the New York Knicks during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 13: Derrick Rose #25 of the New York Knicks during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – MARCH 03: Rudy Gay #8 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at American Airlines Center on March 3, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – MARCH 03: Rudy Gay #8 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at American Airlines Center on March 3, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Rudy Gay, SF

Up to this point, Rudy Gay has received interest from numerous sources since the new league year began. As you can probably figure out, though, he has yet to find himself a new team. Teams keep coming and going, but pen hasn’t been put to paper.

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There are a number of reasons for the general hesitance towards signing Gay. Obviously his age plays a factor. At 30 years old, his game has slowly been on the decline in recent years. The other part of the equation is the fact that he’s coming off a ruptured Achilles tendon, which can be a difficult injury to bounce back from.

An aging forward rehabbing from a serious injury is not exactly a tantalizing target for NBA teams.

Most of the teams that have shown interest up to this point have found alternate solutions. The Golden State Warriors signed Nick Young and Omri Casspi. The Oklahoma City Thunder traded for Paul George and re-signed Andre Roberson. Waiters re-signed with the Miami Heat, and James Johnson is expected to as well. The Los Angeles Clippers made a deal for Danilo Gallinari.

As you can tell, potential landing spots are falling off Gay’s radar left and right. If the Lakers entered the mix with a one-year “prove it” deal, I find it hard to believe the veteran forward wouldn’t at least ponder the possibilities. Los Angeles needs more shooting, and Gay can provide it when healthy.

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