3 Los Angeles Lakers free agent targets with ties to LeBron James
By Dalton Sell
Throughout his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James has undoubtedly played with his share of noteworthy teammates.
As the Lakers look to retool their roster this offseason, perhaps the front office should look to add some of those former teammates. Whether it be due to the player’s fit, production, financial value, or whatever else, there are several names that could make great additions to the Lakers, mainly in 2022 NBA free agency.
The Lakers will not have ample spending money, but that does not mean it would be impossible for them to strengthen their roster with several household names. With that being said, here are three notable free agent targets with ties to LeBron James for LA to target.
3 Los Angeles Lakers free agent targets with ties to LeBron James: JaVale McGee
JaVale McGree played a key role for the Los Angeles Lakers during his two years with the franchise between 2018-20, having served primarily as the team’s starting center. After helping the Lakers secure the 2020 NBA championship, the two sides went their separate ways, and a reunion would potentially make sense for both parties.
One area that plagued the Lakers throughout the 2021-22 season was their interior protection, as they surrendered 51.5 points in the paint per game during the regular season, which was tied for the second-most in the league.
Though that could largely be attributed to the lengthy absence of Anthony Davis, who missed a sizeable chunk of the season due to injuries, the Lakers would be wise to explore targeting more interior defenders such as McGee.
The big man is a solid shot-blocker, having averaged 1.5 blocks per game in his 14 seasons, and his presence was a key reason why LA had one of the league’s best defenses during their title-winning campaign.
McGee just finished up a solid season with the Phoenix Suns, and he will likely have several teams looking to add him in free agency. While the Lakers cannot offer him significant compensation, the front office could offer him a potential starting role and the chance to reunite with his former team as they look to compete for a championship next year.
Perhaps joining forces with LeBron James and Anthony Davis once again could be enticing for the 34-year-old veteran, but only time will tell how McGee approaches his unrestricted free agency. Whatever the case, Los Angeles should have him on their radar.