six free of charge agents the Lakers could target this offseason initially appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2022-23 NBA season has officially ended with no a championship immediately after falling to the Denver Nuggets four- in the Western Conference Finals, which even led LeBron James to ponder retirement.
The Lakers began the season with a two-ten record, and instantly fans started to count them out for any results. But some considerably-required moves (trading Russell Westbrook and adding D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley) at the traded deadline gave them the push they required, which permitted them to go a conference-very best 18-9 immediately after the deadline.
It would not be adequate, even though, to defeat the Nuggets — regardless of storming by way of the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors.
But now, all eyes are on the existing roster and how they can attain additional results for the upcoming season. So will the organization appear to retain the group with each other, or will they seek outdoors enable in free of charge agency to bolster the group for a different playoff push?
Here’s a appear at a handful of feasible offseason targets that L.A. might show interest in this summer season:
There have been lots of whispers that a LeBron-Kyrie reunion could be on the horizon. The 31-year-old Dallas Mavericks star guard is eligible for a 4-year, $220.six million deal in free of charge agency this summer season if he re-indicators with Dallas.
The former Cleveland Cavalier played alongside LeBron for 3 seasons and the pair won the infamous “three-1” championship against the Warriors in 2016. Even though Irving is no stranger to producing a residence with a new group, no matter whether he appears to take his talent to L.A. is left to be observed.
Reaves immediately became an integral element of L.A.’s results this season immediately after just his second NBA campaign and 1st playoff run.
The 24-year-old shooting guard averaged 16.9 points, four.four rebounds and four.six assists in the postseason.
It really is clear that this is a player the Lakers want to have about for seasons to come. And although Reaves has turn into an desirable player that lots of teams want, there may not be considerably motivation for him to leave. In particular immediately after telling ESPN’s Dave McMenamin in April that “I would like to be right here my entire profession.”
three. James Harden
1 essential player that tends to make a lot of sense to add to the Lakers’ backcourt is James Harden.
The Philadelphia 76ers guard could turn into an unrestricted free of charge agent this summer season if he declines his $35.six million player alternative for the 2023-24 season. A Los Angeles native who played his higher college basketball in the location till attending Arizona State, he could join the Lakers and deliver James with some considerably-required rest as a different ball handler for the group.
Harden completed his season with the Sixers averaging 21. points and ten.7 assists although shooting 44.1% from the field, 38.five% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free of charge-throw line.
If signing Irving appears out of attain for the Lakers, there is a point guard that could be on the Lakers’ radar if they do not re-sign Russell: Raptors star Fred VanVleet.
VanVleet is coming off a bit of a rocky season for the Raptors (19.three points, 7.two assists, four.1 rebounds) but if they want to make a important improvement at point guard, they will probably have to sacrifice a majority of their cap space.
Toronto might let VanVleet stroll this summer season, which would leave him as a leading target for the Lakers.
The Lakers might want to take a different possibility on the team’s former guard Jordan Clarkson – who, considering the fact that leaving Los Angeles in 2018, has grown pretty a bit.
The nine-year veteran has turn into a single Utah Jazz’s very best assets, immediately after delivering a profession season. Clarkson has averaged 17.eight points per game in 250 games with the Jazz. This previous season, he posted a profession-higher 20.eight points per game on 44.four% shooting and 33.eight% from beyond the arc.
If the Lakers are seeking for an athletic player who is nonetheless in their prime and is preferably not as well pricey, then Clarkson fits the bill.
Draymond Green’s days with the dynasty of the Golden State Warriors might be coming to an finish. Right after a stellar 11-year run with Golden State and 4 NBA championships, Green could opt out of his contract and turn into a free of charge agent this summer season. And he’s currently been linked to the Lakers.
Green, who is also represented by Klutch Sports, has been extremely vocal about his friendship with James and that kind of chemistry could translate nicely onto the floor.
Is LeBron James a free of charge agent?
LeBron James will play the upcoming season in the final year of his contract, which will spend him $46.9 million. James has the alternative to opt out of the deal for the 2024-25 season.
Who are the Lakers’ free of charge agents?
Here’s a appear at a total list of the Lakers’ 2023 free of charge agents:
Lonnie Walker IV
Malik Beasley (group alternative)
D’Angelo Russell
Troy Brown Jr.
Dennis Schroder
Wenyen Gabriel
Austin Reaves (restricted)
Rui Hachimura (restricted)
Scotty Pippen Jr. (restricted)
Will Kyrie Irving be a free of charge agent this summer season?
Irving completed the 2022-23 season with the Mavericks and will be an unrestricted free of charge agent this summer season.
