Los Angeles Lakers: Free agent alternatives if Paul George re-signs with Thunder

Gary Harris, SG, Denver Nuggets

An obscure option, I know — especially compared to the other two names on this list. However, Gary Harris deserves your consideration as a potential target for the Lakers during 2018 free agency.

Harris, the Denver Nuggets’ starting shooting guard, is a restricted free agent next offseason. While it would seem likely that the team will look to re-sign him, another suitor looking to make a splash could go for broke and offer him a max contract. Considering the Nuggets’ current financial situation, it may be difficult for them to match.

The Lakers could be one of those splash-desiring teams. They have plenty of cap space to throw around, and will likely need a new shooting guard seeing as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has the feel of a one-year rental. Honestly, even if they were interested in keeping KCP, I believe Harris is a better long-term investment.

The former No. 19 overall selection has blossomed in the last couple of seasons. The Nuggets have watched him emerge as one of the most exciting young two-way 2 guards in the NBA. Not only is he a budding scorer, but he possesses the defensive chops to lock down some of the best wings from around the league.

His candidacy to join the Lakers depends on how much the Nuggets are comfortable ponying up to keep him. If they do decide that he isn’t worth a deal $20 million annually, Harris could absolutely be on Los Angeles’ radar in 2018.