The trade winds did not offer the Los Angeles Lakers what they wanted, and they have yet to get their third star on the roster. After missing out on Klay Thompson, the purple and gold front office might be looking out for a potential star for the team. However, the scope for landing such a player requires financial assets. Unfortunately, Rob Pelinka is already over the first apron with about $12 million after signing both LeBron and Bronny. With this hard-capped setting at the second apron, it will be difficult for the Lakers front office to negotiate a deal with the rival executives from other league teams.
However, the trade season is still on; you never know when the winds change directions in such an ambiance. Considering the unexpected response from the league teams this season, anything might await Rob and LeBron at the end of the offseason. Recently, Spotrac insider Keith Smith posted a list on X of the best free agents available right now in the market. Certain players from these lists had the potential of landing into the Lakers and contributing in their way. Let us delve deep into these player’s backgrounds and potential chances of going to the Lakers.
Best available free agents:
PG
T. Jones
M. Fultz
K. Lowry
P. Beverley
S. DinwiddieSG
B. Hield (S&T to GSW not done)
G. Trent Jr.
M. Beasley
L. Kennard
A. BurksSF
D. DeRozan
C. Martin
I. Okoro (R)
S. Bey
S. Fontecchio (R)PF
M. Bridges
T. Prince
P. Achiuwa
J. Crowder
H.…— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 3, 2024
Top five players in free agency: who can be savior to the Los Angeles Lakers
Looking for a roster modification to bid adieu to LeBron James in style has been a long-lost dream of the Lakers. King James won the last championship of his four in 2020 with the Lakers. After that, the King James-led squad is still wondering its way past the post-season and NBA Finals. In the last season itself, they succumbed to the Denver Nuggets’ elite offense and could not move to the second round of playoffs. With the hope of making it a potential Larry O’Brien trophy heist, here are the top five free agents who can contribute well to the Lakers in their respective positions.
Power Forward- Jae Crowder
The 33-year-old veteran from Milwaukee Bucks can be a great addition to Anthony Davis and LeBron James’ offense. He has the experience of playing alongside stars. Crowder played throughout his last year with the Bucks’ star Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Apparently, he has the versatility to manage the floor spacing and defend the rim while the offense is making its play. His abilities as a wing averaged about 6.2 points over 50 games. Also, his three-point percentage is 35%, making him a decent addition instead of Klay.
Shooting Guard- Gary Trent Jr.
The 25-year-old shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. is decent with his three-point shooter. Notably, his deep shot percentage helms his stats with 39.3%. Also, he averaged 13.7 points playing for about 28.1 minutes over 71 games for the Toronto Raptors. In the last season, he had a .393 three-point percentage, which can catapult the scoring drive for the Lakers. However, he might need a full mid-level exception from the Los Angeles Lakers to get him on the roster. His last contract with the Raptors was worth about $17 million per season.
Small Forward- Caleb Martin
The Miami Heat small forward Caleb Martin proved his mettle in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics. It was a great performance from the 28-year-old, as he averaged 19.3 points in that series. On top of that, his shooting percentage stats from the deep and the field were insane, measuring 48.9% and 60.2%, respectively. Overall, he is the best 3-and-D player whom the Lakers can afford, considering their current financial restraints. However, the players traded from the Heat, like Gabe Vincent, did not turn out to be that good for the Lakers. So it’s not impossible, but it’s unlikely that the front office will take the chance again.
Center- Dario Saric
The Golden State Warriors center Dario Saric can be a great addition to the Lakers, considering his 6’10” stature and ability to score baskets from the deep. Last season, his deep shooting accuracy was 37.6%, with an average of 2.3 assists. It might be the ideal deal for JJ Redick since he wanted to use more of his big men to score three-pointers. That’s why they were pursuing Klay Thompson in the first place. Also, he does not come with hefty contracts since he signed a one-year minimum contract with his previous team.
Point Guard- Spencer Dinwiddie
Rob Pelinka’s front office might be eyeing to re-sign Spencer Dinwiddie as he is in the open market right now. He arrived at the Lakers last season after the trade deadline as a buoyant signing. However, he played his role well for his team as a playmaker, adding depth to the bench strength. Also, during the Lakers win against the Pacers on March 24 last season, he scored a team-high 26 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists. No doubt JJ Redick will make sure to play his cards for the 10-year-veteran in the league.
The aforementioned free agents are the pieces that the Los Angeles Lakers might need for a successful season run next season. Also, they can share the offensive burden on LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ shoulders while playing as a team. It is nothing less than a package of small gifts that the Lakers must pick up to add a more adept second lineup for the team. Who is your favorite player in free agency from this lot? Comment down your thoughts.