Los Angeles Lakers: 3 NBA free agency targets with ties to LeBron James
By Dalton Sell
Following an early exit from the 2021 playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up to jump right back into contention next season through NBA free agency.
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis getting some well-deserved rest after battling through injuries for most of last season, LA will be right back in the mix. However, despite that guarantee, there were rumblings that they could be looking to make a significant splash this offseason to strengthen their roster even further, and that came to fruition Thursday night with their trade for Russell Westbrook.
With James, Davis, and Westbrook all in the fold, the Lakers have a lethal trio of All-Stars that will be among the title favorites for next season. However, they will be tasked with filling out the rest of the roster as they had to cut ties with several rotational players in the deal for Westbrook.
Although they will be strapped for cash, the Lakers could look ahead to free agency to add some affordable pieces, as players could see LA as even more desirable with this new trio in town.
While there will be many free agents to choose from, one fun exercise is looking at familiar faces, particularly ones that have played alongside LeBron James before. Players have been known to gravitate towards him because his teams will always be in contention, and that could very well be the case this offseason. With that being said, here are three free agents with ties to LeBron that the Lakers should make a run at.
The Los Angeles Lakers could reunite LeBron James and Jeff Green in 2021 NBA Free Agency
Following their blockbuster trade for Westbrook, the Los Angeles Lakers will be scouring the market for depth in the frontcourt. They parted ways with both Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell in the deal, leaving them two sizeable bodies short in the rotation. As they look to fortify the rotation and add some size, one player that could be enticing is Jeff Green.
A veteran journeyman, Green found himself playing alongside James during the 2017-18 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where the pair would make a trip to the NBA Finals. He was a solid bench piece on that team, and he could play a similar role on this Los Angeles team next season as they look to fill out the rotation.
Green spent last season with the star-studded Brooklyn Nets, playing a key role off their bench and occasionally in the starting lineup. Playing in 68 games, the 34-year-old averaged 11 points per contest while shooting career bests in field goal percentage (49.2) and 3-point percentage with (41.2 percent). He provided a solid boost offensively, but his defense also stood out as the veteran allowed Brooklyn to be versatile by guarding multiple positions at a high level.
The veteran will be back on the free-agent market this offseason, and while he is not the most star-studded name, Green could make a big difference for the Lakers.