6 free brokers the Lakers might goal this offseason initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Bayarea
The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2022-23 NBA season has formally ended with out a championship after falling to the Denver Nuggets 4-0 within the Western Convention Finals, which even led LeBron James to ponder retirement.
The Lakers began the season with a 2-10 report, and instantly followers started to rely them out for any success. However some much-needed strikes (buying and selling Russell Westbrook and including D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley) on the traded deadline gave them the push they wanted, which allowed them to go a conference-best 18-9 after the deadline.
It would not be sufficient, although, to defeat the Nuggets — regardless of storming by means of the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors.
However now, all eyes are on the present roster and the way they will attain extra success for the upcoming season. So will the group look to maintain the workforce collectively, or will they search exterior assist in free company to bolster the workforce for one more playoff push?
This is a have a look at a couple of potential offseason targets that L.A. could present curiosity on this summer time:
There have been many whispers {that a} LeBron-Kyrie reunion may very well be on the horizon. The 31-year-old Dallas Mavericks star guard is eligible for a four-year, $220.6 million deal in free company this summer time if he re-signs with Dallas.
The previous Cleveland Cavalier performed alongside LeBron for 3 seasons and the pair received the notorious “3-1” championship in opposition to the Warriors in 2016. Whereas Irving is not any stranger to creating a house with a brand new workforce, whether or not he appears to take his expertise to L.A. is left to be seen.
Reaves immediately turned an integral a part of L.A.’s success this season after simply his second NBA marketing campaign and first playoff run.
The 24-year-old taking pictures guard averaged 16.9 factors, 4.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists within the postseason.
It is clear that this can be a participant the Lakers wish to have round for seasons to come back. And whereas Reaves has turn into a pretty participant that many groups need, there may not be a lot motivation for him to go away. Particularly after telling ESPN’s Dave McMenamin in April that “I’d like to be right here my complete profession.”
3. James Harden
One key participant that makes numerous sense so as to add to the Lakers’ backcourt is James Harden.
The Philadelphia 76ers guard might turn into an unrestricted free agent this summer time if he declines his $35.6 million participant possibility for the 2023-24 season. A Los Angeles native who performed his highschool basketball within the space till attending Arizona State, he might be a part of the Lakers and supply James with some much-needed relaxation as one other ball handler for the workforce.
Harden completed his season with the Sixers averaging 21.0 factors and 10.7 assists whereas taking pictures 44.1% from the sector, 38.5% from past the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line.
If signing Irving appears out of attain for the Lakers, there’s a level guard that may very well be on the Lakers’ radar in the event that they don’t re-sign Russell: Raptors star Fred VanVleet.
VanVleet is coming off a little bit of a rocky season for the Raptors (19.3 factors, 7.2 assists, 4.1 rebounds) but when they wish to make a significant enchancment at level guard, they’re going to probably need to sacrifice a majority of their cap house.
Toronto could let VanVleet stroll this summer time, which would depart him as a high goal for the Lakers.
The Lakers could wish to take one other likelihood on the workforce’s former guard Jordan Clarkson – who, since leaving Los Angeles in 2018, has grown fairly a bit.
The nine-year veteran has turn into one Utah Jazz’s greatest property, after delivering a profession season. Clarkson has averaged 17.8 factors per sport in 250 video games with the Jazz. This previous season, he posted a career-high 20.8 factors per sport on 44.4% taking pictures and 33.8% from past the arc.
If the Lakers are searching for an athletic participant who continues to be of their prime and is ideally not too dear, then Clarkson matches the invoice.
Draymond Inexperienced’s days with the dynasty of the Golden State Warriors could also be coming to an finish. After a stellar 11-year run with Golden State and 4 NBA championships, Inexperienced might decide out of his contract and turn into a free agent this summer time. And he’s already been linked to the Lakers.
Inexperienced, who can also be represented by Klutch Sports activities, has been very vocal about his friendship with James and that sort of chemistry might translate effectively onto the ground.
Is LeBron James a free agent?
LeBron James will play the upcoming season within the remaining yr of his contract, which can pay him $46.9 million. James has the choice to decide out of the deal for the 2024-25 season.
Who’re the Lakers’ free brokers?
This is a have a look at a whole checklist of the Lakers’ 2023 free brokers:
Lonnie Walker IV
Malik Beasley (workforce possibility)
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 agent this summer time?
Irving completed the 2022-23 season with the Mavericks and can be an unrestricted free agent this summer time.