Los Angeles Lakers: 3 dire needs to address in 2019 NBA free agency

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 7: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics hug before the game on January 7, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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2. Floor general

Unless the Lakers decide to bring back Rajon Rondo, the team doesn’t have a player to navigate one of the most important positions on the roster. With that in mind, there are a couple of options the team may want to target.

One name that has been linked to the Lakers recently is Kyrie Irving. As you may recall, James and Irving went to three consecutive NBA Finals together, winning it all in 2016 when they overcame a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors.

While their time in Cleveland didn’t end on a high note, Irving reached out to James in mid-January to apologize for not always being appreciative of James’ leadership. If the two have in fact put aside past differences, it is conceivable that they can find a way to co-exist on the court once again.

According to the New York Times‘ Marc Stein, the Lakers are indeed setting their sights on Irving, despite his interest in joining the Brooklyn Nets.

Another option the Lakers may want to consider is D’Angelo Russell. Two years ago, the Lakers dealt Russell to Brooklyn. Ironically, the fourth-year guard turned in a nice 2018-19 campaign with the Nets.

Russell posted career highs in points (21.1 per game) and rebounding (7.0 per contest). Additionally, he also shot a career best 36.9 percent from beyond the arc. ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski confirms he’ll be one of the Lakers’ top targets.

Other notable names at the point guard spot include Patrick Beverley, Darren Collison, Derrick Rose, George Hill and Ricky Rubio, to name a few. While these players wouldn’t be bad options, Irving and Russell should be the team’s primary targets.

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