Los Angeles Lakers: 4 restricted free agents team could target in 2018

Gary Harris, SG, Denver Nuggets

More than likely, the Lakers will move on from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope next offseason. I don’t see him as a long-term answer for Los Angeles at shooting guard — this was just an opportunity for him to prove his worth and cash in while allowing Magic to build a relationship with Rich Paul.

For those of you who don’t know, Paul is the agent of Caldwell-Pope and LeBron, among others.

Assuming Caldwell-Pope heads elsewhere in 2018, the Lakers will need a replacement at the 2-spot. Jordan Clarkson seems best suited coming off the bench if he isn’t traded away at some point this season, so I don’t think he’s the obvious choice. One restricted free agent who could change the game for Los Angeles, though, is Gary Harris of the Denver Nuggets.

While not a household name among NBA fans, Harris has quietly come on as one of the league’s top up-and-coming two-way guards. Not only is he a terrific shooter, but he’s a tremendous defender who wins with tough, tenacious play on both ends.

The Nuggets seem invested in getting a deal done before the deadline. Doing so would be a very smart move for their future prospects. However, if Harris does make it to restricted free agency in 2018, you better believe the Lakers will at least kick the tires.