3 Los Angeles Lakers free agent targets with ties to Russell Westbrook

3 Los Angeles Lakers free agent targets with ties to Russell Westbrook: PJ Tucker

Russell Westbrook’s time alongside PJ Tucker with the Houston Rockets was short-lived, but it was quite the experiment. Now, with Tucker opting to enter free agency this offseason, there is a pathway for the Los Angeles Lakers to reunite the two, which should certainly be enticing for the front office, given that Tucker will be among the most desirable free agents on the open market.

Every contender team needs a player like Tucker. The forward has managed to stick around in the NBA for over a decade now due to his sheer intensity, competitive drive, and defensive approach.

Tucker would be a significant addition to this LA roster, giving them a reputable defender that can defend the opposing team’s top scorer at a high level on a nightly basis. Although Tucker is more well-known for his defense, the 37-year-old veteran has cemented himself as one of the best corner three-point shooters in league history and just had the most efficient shooting season of his career by knocking down 41.5 percent of his total triples. Tucker’s sweet long-distance shooting would help the Lakers check off another box on their offseason to-do list.

Though Tucker would be a perfect fit in Los Angeles, things get somewhat tricky when assessing the financial aspect. Despite Tucker recently turning 37, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey reported earlier this week that the Philadelphia 76ers intend to offer the champion a three-year deal worth $30 million in NBA free agency.

If so, that offer would likely eliminate the Lakers and a handful of other teams looking to pursue Tucker this offseason, as there would be very few other front offices willing to outbid that. Still, that should not stop the Lakers from at least kicking the tires on Tucker, as he could be just what LA desperately needs right now.