6 free agents the Lakers could target this offseason originally appeared nbc sports birea
Los Angeles LakersThe 2022-23 NBA season officially ended without a championship after a 4-0 loss to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, prompting LeBron James to consider retirement.
The Lakers started the season with a 2–10 record, and immediately fans began counting them out for any success. But some much-needed moves (trading Russell Westbrook and adding D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley) gave them the push they needed at the trade deadline, which saw them go 18–9. The latter allowed a conference-best to go. time limit.
However, it would not be enough to defeat the Nuggets – despite storming through the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors.
But now, all eyes are on the current roster and how they can find more success for the coming season. So will the organization look to put the team together, or will they seek outside help in free agency to strengthen the squad for another playoff push?
Here’s a look at some potential off-season targets LA could show interest in this summer:
There have been many whispers that a LeBron-Kyre reunion may be on the horizon. 31 year old dallas mavericks The star guard is eligible for a four-year, $220.6 million deal in free agency if he re-signs with Dallas.
The former Cleveland Cavalier played three seasons with LeBron, and the pair had an infamous “3-1” championship run against the Warriors in 2016. While Irving is no stranger to building a home with a new team, whether he will take his talents to LA remains to be seen.
After his second NBA campaign and first playoff run, Reeves immediately became an integral part of LA’s success this season.
The 24-year-old shooting guard averaged 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists after the season.
It is clear that this is a player the Lakers want to keep in the coming season. And while Reeves has become an attractive player that many teams want, there may not be much motivation to leave him. especially after telling ESPN’s Dave McMenamin in April that “I would love to be here for the rest of my career.”
3. James Harden
One key player that would make a lot of sense to add to the Lakers’ backcourt is James Harden.
philadelphia 76ers The guard could become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his $35.6 million player option for the 2023-24 season. A Los Angeles native who played his high school basketball in the area until attending Arizona State, he could join the Lakers and provide some much-needed rest for James as another ball handler for the team.
Harden finished his season with the Sixers averaging 21.0 points and 10.7 assists, while shooting 44.1% from the field, 38.5% from the arc, and 86.7% from the free-throw line.
If signing Irving seems out of reach for the Lakers, there is one point guard that could be on the Lakers’ radar if they don’t re-sign Russell: Raptors star Fred VanVleet.
VanVleet is coming off a bit of a rough season for the Raptors (19.3 points, 7.2 assists, 4.1 rebounds), but if they want to make a major improvement at point guard, they will have to sacrifice much of their cap space.
Toronto could let VanVleet go this summer, which would leave him as a top target for the Lakers.
The Lakers team may want to take another chance on former guard Jordan Clarkson — who has grown tremendously since leaving Los Angeles in 2018.
After delivering a career season, the nine-year veteran has become the Utah Jazz’s best asset. In 250 games with the Jazz, Clarkson averaged 17.8 points per game. This past season, he posted a career-high 20.8 points per game on 44.4% shooting and 33.8% from beyond the arc.
If the Lakers are looking for an athletic player who is still at his peak and preferably not too expensive, Clarkson fits the bill.
Draymond Green’s days with the K Dynasty Golden State Warriors may end. After an impressive 11-year run with Golden State and four NBA championships, Green can opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer. And he has already been linked to the Lakers.
Green, who is also represented by Clutch Sports, has been very vocal about his friendship with James and that type of chemistry could translate well on the floor.
Is lebron james a free agent?
LeBron James will play the upcoming season in the final year of his contract, which will pay him $46.9 million. James has an option to opt out of the deal for the 2024-25 season.
Who are the free agents of the Lakers?
Here’s a look at the Lakers’ full list of 2023 free agents:
Lonnie Walker IV
Malik Beasley (Team Substitute)
d’angelo russell
Troy Brown Jr.
dennis schroder
Wenyan Gabriel
Austin Reeves (Banned)
Rui Hachimura (banned)
Scottie Pippen Jr. (Banned)
Will Kyrie Irving be a free agent this summer?
Irving finished the 2022-23 season with the Mavericks and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
