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Los Angeles Lakers free agency: 3 realistic players team could still sign

By Gil Alcaraz IV

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 13: Shabazz Muhammad #15 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 13, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 13: Shabazz Muhammad #15 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 13, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 10: Shabazz Muhammad #15 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the game on February 10, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Shabazz Muhammad, SF

One of the Lakers’ main focuses of free agency was to add some more capable scorers. They showed interest in players like Andre Iguodala, Dion Waiters and George Hill early on, but whiffed on all three. Now it’s time to turn their attention to some less attractive options.

Shabazz Muhammad comes to mind when I think about intriguing scorers. While not an overly exciting free agent, he brings something to the table — his ability to shoot the basketball. Look no further than his 48.2 shooting percentage from the field in 2016-17.

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It seemed like he’d be returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason. After the team acquired Jimmy Butler and signed Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson, though, they were forced to free up cap space. Hence, they rescinded Muhammad’s qualifying offer, sending him straight to the free agency pool.

There has been some tepid interest from the Brooklyn Nets (via NetsDaily.com), but they appear to be prioritizing bigger names. So until they strike out a couple more times, Muhammad seems destined to remain available. That’s why the Lakers should swoop in and steal him before someone else does.

Would he be a home run signing? Not really. However, he’d give the Lakers a difference-making wing off the bench who can score in bunches. Plus, considering the lack of nibbles he’s gotten up to this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if they could get him on a one-year “prove it” deal.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

Muhammad is a Long Beach native who played his college ball at UCLA. Maybe coming home to play alongside another former Bruin could convince the former lottery pick to join the Lakers — at least for one year.

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