NBA: 3 teams that should pursue guard Kevin Porter Jr.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 28: Kevin Porter Jr. #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after the Cavaliers drew a foul against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter of the game at Target Center on December 28, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 94-88. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) /

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NBA, Kevin Porter Jr. Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images /

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Whenever there’s a mercurial guard available, the Los Angeles Lakers tend to enter the fray. It was just a year ago when the team brought in both Dion Waiters and J.R. Smith without it blowing up on them – in fact, the team managed to win a title. Call it the aura of LeBron James.

Los Angeles is relatively hamstrung by their cap situation, but it’s possible Porter can be acquired on the cheap. His option for next season has already been exercised, but the guard will still earn less than $1.8 million in each of the next two seasons on his rookie deal.

As with the Rockets, this can also be seen as a forward-looking deal for the Lakers. The team’s title window is wide open and the franchise will do anything they can to win the next championship or two – it’s possible Porter can help that cause.

But he’s more of a long-term play for the Lakers. In a few years, James will likely be a great memory and Anthony Davis will be at the end of his prime in the NBA. Los Angeles only has two players 25 or younger: Kyle Kuzma and Talen Horton-Tucker, both of whom should be part of the team’s future. Kevin Porter Jr. can be a third developmental project for the franchise to focus on so that they don’t fall apart after these years are gone.

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