The Lakers’ biggest free agent need may be in the pivot, but you don’t total 17 wins if your only problem is needing a new Center. And despite the Lakers drafting Brandon Ingram #2 overall and having D’Angelo Russell and (restricted free agent) Jordan Clarkson as young players on the rise, the team could really use some help on the wing.
First, I think it’s worth repeating the prices for free agents are going to be outrageous this summer and you should prepare yourself for sticker shock. We discussed this some in our look at big men, but bigs always command high salaries. With wings, though, there’s typically more leeway. The supply of wings typically outpaces demand and while the cream of the crop will always get paid, there is usually some value to be found when going to the 2nd or 3rd tier.
That may end up being true this summer too, but “value” will be a relative term. When the cap explodes and teams have so much money to spend they won’t actually be able to spend it all, the formula inverts where the supply of dollars is going to vastly outpace players who would, in a normal year, make that much money. So, even if the Lakers go down-shelf shopping, they’re still likely to be paying a premium for their target simply because the availability of money for all players will ratchet up contract amounts.
With that out of the way and the Lakers need for a wing established, it’s time to go shopping. But first, let’s again take stock of what’s in the cupboard. As noted, the Lakers already have Russell and Ingram. Re-signing Clarkson is a priority and will almost certainly happen. They also have Lou Williams who will demand some minutes. Looking at this group, however, two things become clear: There’s only one SF in that group (Ingram) and there’s not a lot of defense-first guys (zero).
The team’s needs mostly revolve around those two areas and they’d be wise to chase players who fit a certain profile. Namely, if the guy can play small forward and has the potential to be a plus defender, he should get a long look. Of course shooting still matters. And being at least an adequate passer and having enough ball skills to initiate the offense in some way would also be great. But if those latter skills come at the expense of defense and position certainty, a guy should move down the list (or off it entirely).
Before we get to our list, a couple of caveats: First, players who I think are totally ungettable are not listed. So, while LeBron and Durant would be ideal, they’re not coming so let’s not waste our time. I’ve also left off Bradley Beal who is a restricted free agent. Ditto for Evan Fournier. Their teams will likely match any offer. For now, at least, I have also left off DeMar DeRozan who is reportedly focused on re-signing with Toronto at this point. If the Lakers get a meeting with him, I will discuss him more at that time.
Now, on to our list:
- Nic Batum
- Kent Bazemore
- Jared Dudley
- Harrison Barnes
- Alan Crabbe
- Chandler Parsons
- Mo Harkless
Okay, that’s a lot of players and I even left a couple of guys off who, in a pinch, could work out well. But this is a good place to start. Let’s get to the rationale (I’ll try to keep this brief).
*I am including Batum more as the archetype I desire more than anything else. I actually don’t think the Lakers can sign him; he’s going to stay with the Hornets. But if there’s even a hint he’ll leave, he would be my top target. Batum can defend, can hit the three, is a good passer, can run the offense, and is a veteran, team player who would fit in well with the Lakers’ core. In bigger lineups he could play next to Ingram and Russell and defend the other team’s best wing. When playing with Clarkson and Williams he could initiate the offense. He’s a perfect fit. Too bad he’s not leaving.
*Bazemore is similar to Batum in a few ways, but not as good with the ball in his hands as a creator or a passer. He is younger, though, and would be considerably cheaper than the max Batum likely commands. Bazemore is also a great teammate, plays hard, and has improved every year he’s been in the league. He also offers defensive versatility, able to guard either wing position and can even switch onto point guards at times. Gambling on him in the middle of his prime years seems to me like a good bet.
*Dudley is more of a SF/PF at this point in his career, but I really like him for this team. He’s a really good shooter (39.9% from 3 for his career), has experience playing in a pace/space offense, is a good veteran sounding board for young players, and simply knows how to play on both ends of the floor. I love the way he competes and I love how he puts the team first. Yes he made some comments about people not wanting to play with Kobe last summer. Guess what (and no offense), Kobe’s no longer on the team. He’s an excellent fit for this roster.
*Barnes had a terrible close to the playoffs, shooting brick after brick vs. the Cavs while his team surrendered a 3-1 lead to lose the title. Barnes became Warriors’ fans whipping boy as the guy who never seemed to hit the big shot or do the thing they wanted. While this concerns, I really don’t care about these things. Barnes defends, can rebound his position, can play up a slot in smaller lineups, and has hit 39% of his threes over the last two seasons. He brings institutional knowledge from the Warriors which helps Luke Walton’s transition. I never hear him complain and all he does is play hard. I know he has his weaknesses and if the Lakers signed him, I’d write about those. He’ll also be expensive, which is why he’s lower on my list. But I like Barnes. I think his best basketball is in front of him and believe he’s going to help whatever team he’s on a lot next year.
*Crabbe isn’t a player everyone will be familiar with, but I like his game. He’s more of an offensive guy at this point, but he does have some defensive potential. He can hit the three ball, handle the ball some, and is good in the open court. Like Barnes he is a restricted free agent, so targeting him comes with some risk. But he was a good player on an overachieving Blazers’ team, is young (23 years old), and could really help the Lakers in a variety of ways. I’d welcome him.
*Parsons, on the other hand, is a guy you have heard of. Injury history and net-negative defense pushes him down here, but on offense he’s a really good fit. He’s an all court wing who has good size and can shoot the ball. He’s not a great passer, but he’s not what I would call a ball stopper either and has played in heavy movement offenses in both Houston and Dallas. He will likely make the max which is, due to his injury history, scary.
*Harkless is another Blazer and split minutes with Crabbe at SF in Portland. If you combine Harkless’ size and defensive ability with Crabbe’s ball and shooting skill, you’d have a Nic Batum level player and sure max guy. Instead, Harkless is a guy who has an iffy jumper and can be a bit robotic with the ball, but competes defensively and will go after rebounds. Like Barnes he’s more of a SF/PF which has potential for a minutes crunch considering the Lakers’ depth at the 4. Still, though, Harkless is a rotation SF who can defend his position and the Lakers sure could use one of those.
—
While the list above is in order of preference, any of them would be a good get for the Lakers. Price and circumstance will, as discussed, clearly matter. Batum, Barnes, and Parsons will all likely want max salaries. Barnes, Crabbe, and Harkless are restricted free agents. Dudley is the type of veteran 3 & D with positional versatility who might command $10 million a season.
These are the going rates and someone will pay them. The Lakers, who seriously need more wing depth and players who can make an impact as rotation players as either starters or frontline reserves, would be wise to invest in one of them to upgrade a position of need.
chris hederson says
not really liking the advert link… kind of puts me into never never land..
but as always, love the site!
AJ says
I think for the money, solomon hill is 2 or 3 on this list.
Gonz says
i just want bizmack biyombo and bazemore.. i think whiteside is a stretch for us right now.. plus i dont like how he handles himself..
4 years 50/60m for biyombo with team option in the last year.. around 40 for bazemore same kind of deal.. thats all im asking mitch..
Tim A. says
I really like the idea of Jared Dudley. More than anyone else on this list. Go with vets who will accept a large-for-them payday that doesn’t compromise 1) cap space for max level guys in 2018 & 2019 2) Ability of young guns to get playing time and develop with all deliberate speed over the next 2-3 seasons.
Clay Bertrand says
Note that Darius’ WORST wing option (IMO–he is the worst player of the group but he is a decent fit) of the grouping ranked is Jared Dudley potentially at $10 MILLION per. That’s the low priced option. New World is Comin!!!!!
I’m just looking forward to all of the ridiculous posturing by teams being over and see who puts their money where their mouth is.
Its just getting stupid as the date approaches. Every day, its the same BS!!
EVERY team has as its FIRST PRIORITY to resign ALL of their own players AND pursue ALL major free agents as well. Cake owned AND EATEN!!!
Case in Point: The Hornets say Nic Batum is their highest priority. They also say they want to resign Lin. They also say they want an upgrade at the 5.
The Heat are supposedly going to sign EVERYONE who played for them over the last TEN years along with Kevin Durant and Al Horford. OH they also have interest in Noah. AND Riley wants to get a meeting with Wilt Chamberlain –AND HE WILL cuz he is RILEY and RILEY gets what he WANTS!!!
Dallas is going after Whiteside, Biyombo, Howard, Mike Connelly and also will look to retain all of its own FAs.
The Warriors are going to keep Barnes and they want to keep Ezeli too but they are also going after Whiteside, Horford, Durant, Pau, and conceivably a Hologram of Michael Jordan circa 1993. Joe Berry Carroll says he will come back for the Vets Minimum.
The Hawks meanwhile are going to keep Horford, keep Bazemore….OH and they are going to try to sign Durant also. Dwight Howard is from Atlanta and they’d also like to make a run at him.
So that’s 6 orders of Durants, Several orders of Whitesides, a couple orders of Horfords……3 or 4 Biyombos, a couple of Harrison Barnes’…….. Would you like a side of Ryan Andersons or some Kent Bazemores to go with that???
WHY THE HELL NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So breaking news: EVERY TEAM is going after EVERY GUY and signing ALL OF THEIR OWN GUYS.
Sounds like the Owners will ALL show massive restraint in keeping their spending in check and prudent huh???
I’m sure glad all these reports about team intentions are being written. SO MUCH CLARITY now that teams are being 100% open and HONEST!!!
I see a lot of busy signals being heard by disappointed GMs at 9:01 June 30th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Likely even ours…………… SMH
Richard Sanchez says
I would put Evan Turner on this list as well. I think he can be used in an Iguadala role. I also wouldn’t mind taking a chance on either Jeff Green or Lance Stephenson. If we are able to sign Hassan Whiteside, then I think it would be a good idea to bring back Roy to be his back up, he’d be cheap since he didn’t have a great year and he’s a vet.
Chibi says
Kupchak said that when the Lakers weighed Ingram, he came in at 185. He is a guard. He is a shooting guard. With Clarkson amenable to coming off the bench, Ingram will start at guard. We don’t need any more guards!
We need big small forwards. Give me 2 of Barnes, Parsons, Batum, and Deng. One to start and one to lead the 2nd unit and close games.
Here is the clip for the weight comment.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9wzFppOZ6Is
Jason says
Just as important are stretch 4’s and 5’s for example Lakers are looking at Ryan Anderson in New Orleans cheap and serviceable although I’m not quite sure about his defensive ability. Guys like that along with Batum (wing player) and Whiteside
Anonymous says
You’re crazy if you think that’s all it’ll take to sign these players. Expect $15-20mil per season for either of them. There’s so much money and not enough players. It only takes one desperate team who missed out on the top free agents to throw if cash at the tier beow
Andres Garcia says
I’ve been in Bazemore camp for awhile. He can start at the 3 and play backup 2. Plays good D on 3 positions. He knows how to play a role on O (not a ball stopper). He shoots/slashes or moves it quickly. As Darius noted, this contract will take him thru his prime. Would be a good get.
Clay Bertrand says
Just re-signing Clarkson, signing ONE Max guy and one 2nd-3rd tier guy will eat up $40 million in cap space. Anyone expecting a HAUL of multiple quality guys shouldn’t hold their breath. It’ll be a feeding frenzy. We will be lucky to pull multiple guys who can make an impact.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, Jim Buss will be staying at his friend George Costanza’s house in The Hamptons waiting to hear from Kevin Durant for a meeting this weekend.
Dom says
Batum is the swiss army knife of this group. I live in Portland and have watched him him for several years with the Blazers. Dude is the truth. He does it all much in the mold of Iguodola. Crabbe on the other hand is very one dimensional. He will hit the corner 3 with regularity but he lacks lateral quickness and defensive instincts. I really like Bazemore as well he played with GS before going to ATL and has some familiarization with the GS style and scheme. The sleeper in the group is Harkless. He is a St. Johns guy hard nosed defender not as polished offensively as Crabbe but he does start over Crabbe for the Blazers which tell you something of his versatility. Parsons has shown himself to be injury prone and HBarnes self destructed in the playoffs. In the end part of it comes down to price. I think HBarnes played himself out of a max deal but someone will offer it. I think you could get Crabbe and Harkless and as a combnation you might be very satisfied with 2 very good role players.
Jim213 says
Looks like Trevor Ariza is being shopped around. That be a solid pickup depending on how FA pans out (Lakers strike out). If the Rockettes are able to lure someone else (wing) and like to dump salary then it’d be a solid pickup. Familiarity with Laker ways aside of Kobe’s mentality, who’d be able to provide leadership/defense for the youngsters. Cheap remaining 2 yr. contract too, thus, more $$ to spend on vets.
Hannibal Chisum says
I agree, why they can’t see that is beyond me!
Hannibal Chisum says
I’d like to aquire Biyombo, Kent Baz … also a bit disappointed we didn’t get a shot at Thon Maker…just think he may be magic for some reason. And Please STOP begging for Durant for Christ sake…he can’t even take his own team to the finals, plus I want to see the young guns run and gun. Barnes kept throwing up bricks in the finals. Kevin would take up too much ball time. Don’t want egos just hungry to prove themselves Studs. I know Mitch will find a great player that no one has heard of!
Altemawa says
for me, here’s a list of who we can chase this FA, in order:
for Bigs = Horford, Gasol, Drummond, Whiteside
For SF = Batum, Bazemore, M. Williams, J. Green
for SG = Fournier, Derozan, Lee
I hope we can sign someone from the players above, and still try to build our team strategically. We already have youth in our core, so we need veteran presence both in and out of the court.
Though I feel that we will struck out again this free agency, I hope i am wrong. 🙁
Lakers magic, go go go!
Warren Wee Lim says
Those who aren’t in favor of signing Whiteside, please watch:
https://youtu.be/7KXl_doMFvg
Now imagine, D’Angelo Russell at the point.
Busboys4me says
Exactly!!! Baze and Biyombo. I would still go after Crabbe for depth purposes though because I think NickY is gone. As much as I like Batum, I just don’t see him or HBarnes as MAX guys..and I agree….Whiteside may be a problem child for us.
bleedpurplegold says
I would welcome every player mentioned by darius or by you guys. We need to improve our talent level….every guy from lee to derozan or parsons would help in that regard, so i really dont care about whom we sign, as long as his name isnt roy hibbert i am completly ok with it….
KevTheBold says
Jabari Brown is back from China, and in our D League again, the guy never gives up.
I don’t understand why Scott kept cutting him, he has skills.
I read a story about how his father just passed away while he was chasing his Nba dream.
At 6.5, I would call him up for a shift to sf position.
Kent is also one that got away from us, but as Darius said, his price tag will be steep, as the hawks want him back.
Doc says
What about soloman hill? We need to stop targeting the players that everyone else is targeting and get beat out because we are in rebuilding mode…there are good players under the radar like bazemore was but now he will be recruited by teams ready to win
KevTheBold says
Vander Blue is another possibility, the guy can flat out score, but never got a break.
Serg says
Batum, batum, batum, he has Andre iguodala type of game. He models his game after S Pippen, who could do it all. At center IF healthy would be Noah, great great passer and very versatile defender and moe harklesss, he reminds me a lot of a young Trevor Ariza.
Vasheed says
I like Dudley. He is a great shooter and a professional guy. I also don’t think he would demand a long term contract which is desirable for a guy who is supposed to be a stop gap as Ingram develops. Don’t forget Brown played defense well last year. He is still a guy who could become a contributing player at SF.
I also would like Bazemore. His immediate fit would be obvious. However, I’m unsure if Russell is really a PG. He seemed more like a SG last year who happens to have great play making skills. Clarkson fits that bill somewhat as well. Perhaps not a horrible problem but, after having a few seasons where the Lakers carried like 5+ PF and had to play them out of position Kelly SF, Bass Center, etc. I’m a little wary of overstocking a position.
matt says
I’m wondering what players ingram will be able to guard. One on one.
Lakers gotta be careful not to sign a wing out of desperation, i would rather have them sign no one then a player who is trash.
Shaun says
guys not mentioned
– Luol Deng
– Evan Turner
– Marvin Williams
– Jeff Green
– aaron affalo
– Terrance Jones
– Lance Stephenson
– Eric Gordon
– Kevin Martin
– Gerald Green
I think these guys are going to be more realisitic for us and i’m good with that.
Personally I would like Terrance Jones, Gerald Green, maybe jeff green as guys that could help with us going harder after centers since the C group is much stronger this year
I think Batum resigns or goes to a contender + hes not worth the max, disappears a lot of the time
Parsons is super overated and I think he is going to get a wake up call when he doesnt get the max he thinks hes worth
Dudley to me is too old and I dont like old suns guys
matt says
Prospect ranking
Small forward
1. Durant
2. Batum …. sf/sg
3. Parsons
4. H. Barnes …. restricted
5. Deng ….. sf/pf
6. Ev. Turner …. sf/sg
7. Sol. Hill
8. Derek williams …. sf/pf
9. Harkless. …. restricted
10. Jeff green
Shooting guard
1. Derozan
2. Beal…..restricted
3. Fournier …. sg/sf …restricted
4. Clarkson …… sg/pg
5. Crabb ….. restricted
6. Tyler johnson
7. Eric gordon
8. Canaan
9. Waiters…… restricted
Renato Afonso says
Any of them is welcome. We need talent and we need perimeter D.
matt says
Agree with, bring back jabari brown, and i would like to see them give michael frazier another chance
Notice. dudley and bazemore are not on my list, what’s up with that. I made no error.
Vasheed says
My own personal plan of action for the Lakers would be as follows:
1. Match any offer to Clarkson. This basically locks Clarkson in at 5 million for the next 2 years due to the Arenas rule. A team offering the max in both years 3 & 4 might give me pause.
2. Offer a qualifying offer to Black. Odds are pretty strong the Lakers can sign him at a reasonable rate. We’ve seen him reasonably play at center and he is a PF. I like his versatility.
3. Buy out Young if you can’t get a trade offer. I don’t expect to get much of anything for Young. He needs to go. Only question is can you get something worth taking a roster spot?
4. Trade Randle and Williams. To me this is kill many birds with one stone. Williams has value on the court yet I don’t think he is part of the culture I want to build on. Randle has upside yet our young core’s defense collectively is abysmal. I don’t see Randle ever improving in this regard and considering Nance is at least a rotation/ quasi starter I consider Randle expendable. Bring in a young vet who with a current contract will look like a bargain. Add a guy that starts building credibility of the viability of the Lakers roster. Make it easier to attract free agents.
5. Sign Brandon Bass. Bass has said he would like to return. He played very well last year. Let him play at his natural position PF. With lots of questions about free agents signing with LA this in my opinion would be a good signing.
6. Address 3 needs by trade or free agency. The Lakers need a starting Center, a place holder SF (2 years?) and a PG. I feel that Russell is a SG who can play point as well as Clarkson. The Lakers at least need a back up PG. Huertas was fun but I would prefer an upgrade. I don’t think it unreasonable though to get a starting PG who can defend and slot Russell at the SG with Clarkson on the bench. This could alleviate the Lakers perimeter defensive woes. I would be looking for guys who can provide veteran leadership who can build culture as key attributes.
7. Go try and sign a big name. The problem in the last two years is the Lakers sat waiting for a reply. The Lakers have enough cap to make an offer like that but go out and make deals early on that make sense. The worst thing they could do is sit around doing nothing while waiting again.
matt says
Sorry, isaiah canaan is more of a point guard
Kareem says
Jarrett Jack?
matt says
A couple days ago, most of us were actually relieved that the lakers were not going to get an interview with Kevin durant, but new rumors have surfaced, that the lakers will push for a durant interview and believe they will sign him….I don’t know if this is just more jim buss bashing or what….
TempleOfJamesWorthy says
I think there are 3 major reasons the Lakers should not get caught up in the anticipated spending frenzy of this free agent period (besides the obvious point that true difference makers like Durant, LBJ, and Al Horford are almost certainly not going to come to LA).
1) Cap space is finite and already spent — Yes, the cap is going up dramatically. But that money has ALREADY been spent. Every team HAS to spend 90% of the cap on its roster. The question is do you spend $80 million/4 years for Harrison Barnes (the 36th-best Small Forward by Real-Plus Minus), or do you spread it among 2-3 lesser players who won’t clog the cap for that long? I’d rather go the second route because of…
2) The Lakers with Nic Batum win 32 games next year. The Lakers without Nic Batum win 26-28 games next year. While the Lakers roster needs more talent, it doesn’t need talent that merely makes them somewhat more respectable. It needs talent that is very good now, or has the potential to be very good later. Which leads to the problem of…
3) The timing for most FA small forwards is off. Batum, Dudley, and Parsons are far enough into their careers that by the time the Lakers are competitive, they will be on the back end of any hypothetical long years/big dollars contracts. The other FA small forwards don’t project to be worth long years/big dollar contracts unless they improve dramatically.
Given that the Lakers are 2-3 years from serious playoff contention, even assuming its young core improves as we hope it will, I’d rather try to find a wing three years from now who is 80% of Harrison Barnes at 50% of the cost, rather than have Barnes’ overpriced contract clogging the Lakers salary cap then.
Shaun says
Randle’s not going anywhere – to me hes above DAR and JC in terms of value and is gonna show up big time in Walton’s system where he will actually touch the ball
Moses Buhay says
Hopefully Anthony Brown makes a jump. I liked the way he competed against Durant last season.
Anon#1 says
Vasheed:
My thoughts on your thoughts –
1. If the Lakers were going to trade Randle they should have done in on draft night and secured a youngster in addition to other assets. I would have traded for Bender and the 13th pick which could have yielded another youngster or package that with Williams for a young vet. Of course another youngster seals the deal on a more patient rebuild. However, I think we end up having to go slow anyway — we’re just too much of an unknown right now..
2. Making Russell a Two negates his size and passing abilities. As a Two he’s slow and lacks athleticism. Not a good fit in my perspective.
3. My plan would be to:
a) Sign Meyers Leonard. He’s a decent 5 and can shoot while also playing the stretch Four — which now that we have Randle in place would be helpful to demonstrate another look. Leonard would cost like 4 years $48 mil — a bargain in this day and age. Horford is too old and expensive. Biyombo is very one dimensional and Whiteside (while I would pursue him) I think he goes elsewhere.
b) Trade for Kellie Oubre. He’s very long (7′ 2″ wing span) and my goal would be to play him at the Two with Ingram at the Three. Their ability to disrupt passing lanes and alter shots will go a long way to help our feeble defense. Clarkson moves to a 6th man role.
So, here are your 2016/17 Lakers:
PF Randle
SF Ingram
C Leonard
PG Russell
SG Oubre
—
PG/SG Clarkson
PF Nance
SF Brown
C/PF Black
C Zubac
Save your cap space for next summer.
Chobe Bryant says
Hate to say it, but Jared Dudley is a bum. If anyone has been watching him play the last couple years, he’s dangerously close to being a cheeseburger (or two) away in being out of the NBA. He can’t guard a toaster oven.
Bern says
The Lakers are going to make fools of themselves by begging to get a KD meeting. He’s not coming and the Lakers know that they have too many unknowns to be considered ready to compete. KD has 4 elite years left. He’s not going to spend three of them just getting the Lakers into the playoffs.
This will be yet another FA black eye for the Jim Buss regime.
Clay Bertrand says
Not to continue to be the Debbie Downer Voice in the Wilderness here, but I invite anyone to look at our “HUGE” available money, the players we are “interested in” and the money that the rest of the league has to spend. What we are likely to get for our money is a lot less than most people are imagining.
This assumes that we will retain enough space for NEXT season to be able to get one max guy in next summers FA class.
In a previous thread, I suggested just signing ONE Max guy, retaining Clarkson, and signing one 2nd or 3rd Tier guy would put us at around $40 Million spent. That could actually be a LOW figure depending on who we would be Maxxing out.
Consider if the Lakers MAX out Harrison Barnes for example which seems as likely as any other rumored move. Barnes would come in at $22 Mil per season.
Resigning Clarkson will be a contract that has his salary leveled and averaged so if he signs an offer sheet with HUGE MONEY in the last 2 years, and the Lakers match, the total contract value will be averaged over the years of the deal for Cap purposes.
Signing a Center or additional wing will depend on what quality is sought. Even 2nd and 3rd tier Wings like Bazemore, Fournier, Evan Turner, Courtney Lee, Soloman Hill etc. are going to be in the $10 Mil per year price range JUST TO START! If you want guys for what Nick Young is getting paid ($5-6 Mill), there will be guys like, Jamal Crawford, Chase Budinger, Gary Neal, Mike Miller, Matt Barnes etc.
IOW, we could blow a good deal of our BIG SWEATY WAD OF CASH and come away with something like:
Harrison Barnes: $22 Mil
Mahinmi or Ezeli: $12 Mil
Brandon Bass $4 Mil
Clarkson Resign Avg: $7 Mil
Total: $43 Mil
or
Biyombo: $16 Mil
Bazemore: $12 Mil
Gerald Green: $3 Mil
Bass: $4 Mil
Clarkson Resign Avg: $7
Total $42 Mil
Improvements of ANY AND ALL kinds to the roster are sorely needed as we all know. I just caution to temper expectations. We could well fill some blanks with all minimum guys.
We can all HOPE for the sexy signings and the higher tiered guys. BUT if/when we fall to earth and end up with more scraps than steaks, we can just grind them into burgers!!!! It’ll still be better than the TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE crap we’ve had the last couple of years!!!!
LakerLarry says
Don’t forget about Evan Turner! He can’t shoot 3’s, but is a great offensive initiator and would be invaluable off the bench for what looks like a reasonable price compared to other options. I think that would be a shrewd move by the FO.
Anonymous says
The FO feels that Lakers Exceptionalism should earn them a meeting with KD. Its that kind of thinking that will handicap this management team until they are replaced. What is so hard about elevating Mitch and hiring a younger smart GM to work with him? I want someone from the outside that is known for working his ass off. Put him in a situation where the Lakers cachet will amplify his hard work. I get the impression that Jim thinks everything will fall into place because we are the Lakers.
Jim is like Alfred E. Nueman, “What, me worry?”
MTC says
What if we were to try to snatch dwade from the heat? Sounds like he is willing to look at teams other than Miami because they are lowballing him again. Offer him two years with a bunch of money and maybe he comes over just to spite Pat Riley. I doubt it would take the same combo of money/years that some other players would demand.
Keith says
What if we were to try to snatch dwade from the heat?
__
He’s 34 and makes no sense for a team that hasn’t sniffed .500 in three years. Remember we are 2 to 3 years away from competing for the 8th seed.
Signing him to a max deal is what scares many Lakers fans about Jim Buss.
Anon#1 says
The 7 most over rated free agents.
http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/16583980/2016-nba-free-agency-most-overrated-free-agents
Chris J says
“I really like Bazemore as well he played with GS before going to ATL”
— You left out the key part here: between Golden State and Atlanta, he was a Laker. Why they let him leave when they did was another big head-scratcher to me with this front office. They dealt away Blake for two young guys, but kept neither.
“Hate to say it, but Jared Dudley is a bum.”
— Don’t hate. You’re correct. He couldn’t guard a Lazy Boy and is not at all what the Lakers need. The idea of Ariza is intriguing, however, if there’s an opportunity to get him without losing too much value in the exchange. He still has two years left on his contract with Houston, so something/someone would have to be sent back to Texas to snag him from the Rockets.
Shaun says
If we were able to get Wade we might be able to get some of the bigger name guys plus joe johnson – actually be a competitive team
but really … I am expecting a slow build with an OKC when durant was bad / Eddie Jones-NVE vibe on the team where we give our young guys time to develop
we will still have a down year but maybe we get to 20-30 wins and the young guys start impressing people or maybe we tank and keep our pick again
I’d actually prefer we roll over our cap space – try to sign a duo/trio next year
– Westbrook + Blake Griffen + Hayward all at once if we roll over cap space – immediate contender with all of our young guns being great compliments to 3 stars
Right now our guys are still too young – we are not really on the upswing … but if we have a great year or luck into another top 3 pick next year we would have amazing young talent plus like 80M in space when the bracket go up again which would be great way to pull another Laker move and sign a big trio and go back to being the empire in the league
pretty much any 3 max guys could choose to play with our young core who arguably are the best young core outside of Minnesota in the league
Vasheed says
@Anon#1,
The Lakers have too much youth as is. I don’t think the answer is to trade for more projects. The Lakers need guys who are quantifiable and make the team attractive to free agents. I would package Randle and Williams to accomplish this. This also cleans up Randle as a defensive liability and Williams whom I just don’t see as the sort of veteran presence I desire.
Russell as a PG uses screens to get around PGs. Russell as a 2 would use screens to get around SG’s. Defensively Russell can stay in front of SG’s and has the length to bother them. Meanwhile speedy PGs are a pain for Russell. Russell averaged about 3 assists per game as a PG last year. I take that with a grain of salt in that it was in Scott’s system. He does have great vision. However, that may not define him as much you think. If it quacks like a duck it is a duck. So far Russell looks like a SG.
T. Rogers says
“The Lakers are going to make fools of themselves by begging to get a KD meeting. He’s not coming and the Lakers know that they have too many unknowns to be considered ready to compete.”
—
I think its about perception. The fact that Durant decided not to meet with the Lakers says a lot about how the Lakers are now perceived. Of course he’s not coming even if he did meet with them. But before the Lakers had enough respect to at least get a meeting with top level FA’s. That appears to be gone now. It also has to sting a little that he’s considering meeting with the Knicks.
The Lakers want a meeting just to show they are still relevant to the free agent conversation. I think the next week will tell us a lot about where the Lakers really stand reputation wise.
R says
See, Jeanie is right after all! We need PJ back in order to get courtesy meetings with top level FAs like KD.
Right?
Vasheed says
@R,
As I understand it KD added the Knicks, after the Knicks traded for Rose. Free agents are interested in who is on your roster.
Clay Bertrand says
I see no shame in not getting a KD meeting. I DO see shame if the FO actually believes the team is in a position to be a desirable option for him.
There is nothing wrong with going hard after the impossible or even believing in that pursuit. Ultimately though, the wisdom is in NOT basing your whole strategic reality on the dream scenario playing out.
I’m actually surprised he didn’t agree to meet with the Lakers out of curiosity and due to his Nike contract. The Nike deal for KD supposedly explodes with him in a big market.
Nike+Melo+Rose+Porzingis = Knicks Courtesy KD meeting
Vasheed says
Clay you are incorrect regarding Clarkson. If another team signs Clarkson then the money is averaged out against the cap. For the Lakers the dollar value in each year would count against the cap.
Clay Bertrand says
Vasheed, good call bro!!! You’re right!!! I had my scenario backwards. You are correct, it would be dollar for dollar accounting under the cap for the Lakers which would provide some relief to the numbers I had posted.
Actually, the Lakers really DID already have 4 meetings with Kevin Durant. The lost 4 games by an AVERAGE of 29 pts losing twice by 40—FORTY!!!, once by 33, and once with Lou Williams Chucking Unconscious for 44 we only lost by 4.
I remember laughing grimly at the notion that Durant was almost literally NAUSEATED by even the THOUGHT of playing on our team.
Clay Bertrand says
For those interested who haven’t read Oram’s piece:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/lakers-720906-durant-free.html
He touches on why the Lakers were such a contradiction perhaps the last couple of years in what they stated as their expectations versus how things were realistically unfolding.
R says
Great points Clay!
And even if KD goes to the Knicks, the Lakers will have two meetings with him next season: one each home and away!
TempleOfJamesWorthy says
One more reason not to get into the “We Gotta Spend our Cap Space on SOMEBODY!” frenzy.
4) Either the owners or the players can opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement next years. While I don’t THINK it will produce a strike/lockout, there a a couple of potentially bad scenarios.
A) The really hard-line owners fight for (and get) a true hard cap. Under those conditions, overpaying for a middling player is a potential franchise-killer.
B) The ticked off players fight for (and get) a somewhat larger piece of the revenue pie, especially looser restrictions on the maximum players can be paid. Paying Harrison Barnes $20 million in a league where LeBron gets $24 million hurts, but it’s not terrible. Paying Harrison Barnes $20 million in a league where LeBron gets $45 million, and most Barnes-type players get $8 million – $10 million is a millstone around a franchise’s neck.
Anon#1 says
Vasheed: I prefer young and talented with the bonus of saving cap dollars for next year versus signing a bunch of roster filling vets at inflated prices which would essentially take our flexibility away for next summer.
Clay Bertrand says
At this point, how does Maxing out Batum sound to anyone???
The Lakers will have to conceivably overpay to get that first FA to take the leap of faith. It’ll likely have to be for a non Superstar upper tier FA at best that is willing to come that’ll have to be done just to get the ball rolling and add the value that can attract MORE FAs.
Is Maxing Batum more or less appealing than Maxing RFA Barnes???
At least someone is apparently interested in hearing us out!!!
R says
Vasheed I was being “playful” when I suggested PJ was the key to KD meeting with the Knicks. I’m among those who think KD meeting with the Lakers would be a waste of time for everyone. Now I don’t give a rip about how Durant spends his time during the free agency period, but I think it would be advantageous if the Lakers FO is efficient with their time during the tight free agency period.
Vasheed says
@Anon#1,
Developing talent is an important part of building a roster. However, those young guys are hit and miss. Not all of them are bargains. By the time you know for sure you often wind up paying them. As for inflated prices, if you think this year is bad wait until you see next year as the cap rises again. This is one of the reasons I would favor a trade. Those old contracts are bargains. I would hope that some of our guys would take that leap that makes the team attractve next year. But that isn’t a given. Furthermore if you aren’t adding vets who can show the young guys the ropes you are stunting their growth. In short this team does need some vets added to the mix and probably a few less young guys.
@R, My bad.
smokedaddy says
Question- We all pretty much figure that Swaggy will be gone by start of season . What about Lou Williams? Will team management and the kids hold his support of Swaggy against him. Maybe he and DLO are OK now, but maybe not. Does he fit what Luke wants to do? If he’s gone then we really need to look more to a SG type like Lee. Personally, I’d love to see Batum in purple and might pay him the max. Definitely ahead of Parsons and probably Barnes too since he’s a willing passer and could play some SG as well. With Batum and Ingram playing some D along with a rim protecting mobile C, there’s hope on defense. Otherwise, having to cover for Russell, Clarkson, Williams and to a certain extent Randle is a lot to expect no matter how much practice or schemes Luke introduces. Would have loved to see Mitch dish out a couple mln $ for a 2nd rd pick for Brogdon.
matt says
Anyone that is not clarkson, randle, russell, or nance, should not be brought back from last year. We won like 15 games. Lou williams will be forced out if he can’t play in the new system. We need a 6th man type small forward. A stretch 4, off the bench. A defensive center, to match with randle. And a legit backup center, either a bruiser or post guy, to match with no points nance. Let bass and black walk. Maybe bring back Huertas.
smokedaddy says
Also, on Clarkson, yes we want to keep him and should probably match any offers he gets. But I hope he’s working on his defense as hard as he’s working on his shot. If he’s gonna continue to be a liability on D then I’d be reluctant to be locked into a 4 year deal. But he and DLO are working hard and I imagine Luke will have a heart to heart with them on what needs to get on both ends of the court.
Mid-Wilshire says
Below is a link showing the highlights of both Ingram and Zubac having their best games. Interesting stuff. Enjoy:
http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/160628_ingram-zubac-best-games
matt says
76ers reported to offer max deal to Harrison barnes
Craig W says
Smokestacks,
By all accounts, Mitch did try to buy another 2nd round pick, but nobody was willing sell. Just because something didn’t happen doesn’t mean nothing was tried.
I also believe the Lakers have tried hard to trade Young.
Michael says
Just seeing the title of that ESPN article pertaining to another summer of free agent rejections made my blood boil. True that not a single major free agent will come to the Lakers. As long as we can get players such as Batum, Ezeli, Conley, I will be more than satisfied. The front office has to stop trying to shoot for the stars. None of those kinds of players would ever want to join a rebuilding project. They want immediate gratification.
BigCitySid says
– Lakers making Durant priority #1 may have already cost them. Whiteside’s 1st meeting is w/ Dallas. Dallas let Whiteside know he’s their 1st priority. Time will tell
Shaun says
OKC trying to dump salary – would we take kanter if it got us sabonis? or another 1st?
matt says
Sources say Whiteside will meet with dallas, portland, miami, and the lakers.
matt says
Kevin durant’s meeting schedule is posted online, it’s kinda comical
Keith says
I also believe the Lakers have tried hard to trade Young.
—
They’ve said that every off season since they signed him to the extension. Just cut bait.
matt says
Smokedaddy.
Lou williams, is under a good contract, especially next year. He’s a good bench player. His defense was shot, but he’s not someone you desperately need to dump. He does play a needed role on the team. The only way you trade him is if it’s a good offer, and a player who’s deal is multiple years. Why trade him for a pick, he’s a veteran and has proven he can play in the league. I would like for them to get rid of him too, but it doesn’t seem like a smart move.
Anonymous says
search the lakers and the top two articles contain rejection and dissed
Anon#1 says
OKC trying to dump salary – would we take kanter if it got us sabonis? or another 1st?
__
Scouting report on Kanter:
+ Polarizing big man who is a skilled pick-and-roll player but a defensive liability
+ Good combination of strength and finesse on offense; showcased finishing ability after joining Thunder
+ Among the league’s weakest defenders — neither quick enough to defend on perimeter nor stout enough to patrol paint
Kanter is under contract through the 2018/19 season at $18 mil/year. I’m not a Kanter fan but if they threw in Sabonis I would take him.
Note: I think any team that signs Horford will regret it. They would be paying top dollar for the downside of his career. Not a good business decision.
Darius Soriano says
FYI, I told folks a few days ago I was going to implement a new commenting system and that day is here. I hope this system works well. I know several other sites who use this commenting platform and they have told me they really like it. It may be cumbersome at first, but I think, in the long run, it will be better. Time will tell. Thank you for your understanding.
Shaun says
I would say Oladipo is the key to the Ibaka trade as the main player …. they would do it if that is what it takes to keep Durant + Win a championship in getting horford
If they made us take the singler contract then wtv who cares, take him on anyway – to me sabonis would be key and we still need a center – I see us as being more of an offensive team anyway so to me Kanter’s defense is whatever – plus it might help with any FA signing as being a quality guy on the team
I’m all up for trading williams – ball stopper, gunner, negative on defense, only looks for his own shot … not a guy I liked on the team
would be happy keep huertas though – made the 2nd unit really fun
T. Rogers says
BCS,
I hope what you are saying isn’t true. I understand why the Lakers want a meeting with Durant. But he should not be a priority. I don’t like that Whiteside’s first meeting is with Dallas. Cuban, Carlisle, and Dirk are three guys any free agent would seriously consider joining. I guess I should just be happy the Lakers are getting their shot.
matt says
Wouldn’t it be crazy if ryan kelly gets picked up by lets say Washington and ends up being pretty good with them
Vasheed says
So how does the new commenting system change things?
Darius Soriano says
Vasheed Users have to register with the comment service. This makes moderating easier on a variety of levels. It will also help with replies to comments – which, as you can see from my reply to you — are now more direct and contained within the thread.
Without getting into too much detail, more and more commenters were replying to each other but that was not being easily reflected when you read them. I could see that stuff behind the scenes of the site, though. I’m just trying to clean some things up and I am hopeful this will help move it along. We’ll see.
Kareemez says
Like it!