Los Angeles Lakers: Playing buy or sell with 2018 free agents

Channing Frye

One of the players acquired in the midseason trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Channing Frye is a 12-year player that has settled into an end-of-the-bench of the role as he comes to the latter stages of his career. Frye averaged 5.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 13.1 minutes per game over 53 appearances for the Cavs and Lakers this season.

Frye was one of the first modern stretch-bigs with his career 38.7 percent return on 3-point attempts. He also has the ability to be serviceable on defense, with average lateral quickness and an understanding of where to be. He has been a beloved teammate throughout his career and is a role model for younger teammates.

Given Frye’s ability to be brought back on the veteran minimum contract, he would be a smart glue guy no matter who the Lakers bring in during free agency. He won the 2016 NBA title with LeBron and the Cavs, so I’m sure the King wouldn’t mind having one of his guys on a roster mostly comprised of young players.

Not to mention, Frye can mentor the litany of young bigs the Lakers have while offering strong spot minutes off the bench and playing for his college teammate, head coach Luke Walton.

Verdict: Re-sign