The Los Angeles Lakers fell out of the NBA Playoffs in the Western Conference Finals at the hands of Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. In a disappointing way to end a season filled with many ups and downs, the Lakers are forced to rethink their roster because there is promise with the team’s cornerstones including LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers were off to a putrid start to the year with Russell Westbrook still on the team, but Rob Pelinka saved their season by trading Russ and acquiring massively important pieces, including D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, and Malik Beasley.
Even with the roster reinforcements, the Lakers were not ready to make the NBA Finals and it was obvious the Denver Nuggets was the better team. As a result, the Lakers have a lot to think about even if LeBron James made some very interesting comments during his postgame interview, possibly hinting at retirement. However, it seems The King will be back to fulfill his Lakers contract and that is very good news for the Purple and Gold.
Since James is coming back for the final year of his contract and has a chance for one more run, the Lakers can actually re-tool quickly and go all-in for next season. While there are trades that could be available to make, the key for Los Angeles might be in the free agent market. The priority for the Lakers is to add a third All-Star to the team if possible while also trying to add shooters and defenders.
Of course, retaining both Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura on long-term deals is critical because other than James and Davis, they were the best players on the team in the playoffs. Without further ado, it is time to look at the top-ten best free agents that are available for the Purple and Gold this summer. While not all of them are All-Stars, they can be impactful for the team as they play off future Hall of Famers LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Seth Curry
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2022-23 Season Statistics: 9.2 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG
One of the Lakers’ most intriguing free agent targets is Seth Curry, who brings with him a wealth of experience and s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 that makes him a great fit for the team. Curry is well-known for his sharpshooting ability from beyond the arc, having established himself as one of the most accurate three-point shooters in the league. Last season, he shot a remarkable 40.5% on three-point attempts, making him one of the most lethal perimeter threats in the NBA. This will be especially valuable to the Lakers, as their offense relies heavily on LeBron James and Anthony Davis to create opportunities for their shooters.
Additionally, Curry’s ability to play both point guard and shooting guard adds versatility to the Lakers’ offense. His s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s as a ball-handler and playmaker will alleviate some of the load from LeBron James in terms of distribution, while his off-ball movement and scoring instincts will fit perfectly alongside Anthony Davis. It is not often an elite shooter becomes available and the Lakers need to pounce to get him.
Jordan Clarkson
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2022-23 Season Statistics: 20.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Jordan Clarkson is a talented NBA player who has made a name for himself over the years with his impressive scoring ability. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to bolster their backcourt as they look to compete for a championship in the coming year. One of Clarkson’s greatest strengths as a player is his ability to score from outside and around the rim. He’s a talented shooter from beyond the arc, he’s capable of scoring at the rim with his athleticism, and he’s an excellent midrange shooter as well. After all, averaging over 20 PPG is impressive no matter what.
This versatility makes him a valuable asset to the Lakers when they look to score points in a hurry when LeBron James is on the bench. Furthermore, Jordan Clarkson brings a level of experience to the Lakers that will be crucial as they look to compete in the stacked Western Conference. He’s been a key contributor for several different teams over the years, and he has played in numerous high-pressure situations as a result. Clarkson also played with LeBron in Cleveland and will have some chemistry to add to the Lakers.
Harrison Barnes
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2022-23 Season Statistics: 15.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
If the Sacramento Kings aren’t able to outbid the Lakers, Harrison Barnes is an excellent choice for the team. Barnes is a versatile small forward who can score from anywhere on the court, making him a valuable addition to the Lakers’ already potent offense. He has proven to be a reliable scorer throughout his career, averaging 14.2 PPG in his 10 seasons in the league. In addition, Barnes is a solid defender who can guard multiple positions, which will help the Lakers in their quest to win a championship.
No doubt, Barnes has plenty of postseason experience, having won an NBA championship during his time with the Warriors. He knows what it takes to win on the biggest stage and will bring that championship mindset to the Lakers’ locker room. Overall, the addition of Harrison Barnes to the Lakers’ roster makes the team even stronger and more competitive. Barnes can play either forward spot which could create a “Death Lineup” that Darvin Ham can experiment with.
Brook Lopez
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2022-23 Season Statistics: 15.9 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.5 BPG
The Los Angeles Lakers can add a much-needed boost to their frontcourt with the acquisition of Brook Lopez in free agency. Lopez, a s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed center with a deadly outside shot, is a valuable asset to any team looking to compete for a title. Lopez is a proven scorer and rebounder in the NBA as he has an impressive wingspan and excellent mobility for his size. He can stretch the floor and shoot from beyond the arc (37.4% 3-PT FG), which is a valuable s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 in today’s NBA where big men who can shoot are at a premium.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Lopez is also an exceptional defender. He is a good rim protector and can use his size to disrupt opponents in the paint. The Lakers struggled with their interior defense this season and Lopez will help shore up those deficiencies. Averaging 2.5 BPG and being in contention for Defensive Player of the Year, Lopez can start alongside Anthony Davis to suffocate defenses and allow the Lakers to lock in and focus on their half-court offense.
Kyle Kuzma
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2022-23 Season Statistics: 21.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Kyle Kuzma is a talented player who has quickly established himself as one of the most promising players in the NBA. What makes Kuzma such a valuable asset to the Lakers is his versatility on the court as a two-way forward. He is equally comfortable playing at power forward or small forward and has the ability to create his own shot or knock down three-pointers from beyond the arc. The forward shot 33.3% from deep this season and he can increase that number when LeBron James is the one feeding him the ball in strong positions.
With Kuzma’s scoring prowess, the Lakers can rely on him to be a key contributor to their offense and help spread the floor for their other star players. Kyle Kuzma is a high-energy player who puts in a lot of effort on both ends of the court, with his quickness and agility making him an effective defender as well. The former No. 27 overall pick actually won a championship with the Lakers in 2020, so LeBron and company know what to expect from the 6’9” forward.
Jerami Grant
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2022-23 Season Statistics: 20.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Jerami Grant is a versatile forward who has improved his game significantly over the past few years. His talents for the Los Angeles Lakers would be a major boost to the team’s frontcourt, and Grant can provide exactly what he provided in the 2022-23 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. A key reason why the Lakers might sign Grant is his ability to play multiple positions, which gives the team more flexibility when it comes to rotations and matchups. At 6’8” with a 7’2” wingspan, Grant is extremely athletic and capable of guarding both bigger and smaller players effectively.
Offensively, Grant has become a reliable scorer and shooter from beyond the arc, shooting a career-high 40.1% from three-point range this season. This s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set will be invaluable for the Lakers, who are looking to surround their star players with quality shooters and spacing. Furthermore, Grant is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, making him a valuable asset at both ends of the court. His size, speed, and athleticism make him a difficult matchup for opposing players and his defensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s will play a major role in the Lakers’ success this season. Grant will receive offers from many teams but the Lakers would do well to bring him in.
Fred VanVleet
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2022-23 Season Statistics: 19.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Fred VanVleet has established himself as one of the most valuable players in the NBA over the past few years with his impressive playmaking and scoring ability. With his free agency coming up, the Los Angeles Lakers should be quick to sign him to their roster, no doubt in recognition of his potential to bring reliable ball handling and perimeter shooting to the team. VanVleet’s offensive game has evolved significantly over the past few years, with his shooting statistics improving dramatically.
Despite being undrafted and unknown coming into the league, VanVleet has become an All-Star guard. Along with his scoring abilities, VanVleet is also an excellent passer and playmaker, capable of creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. He has been an integral member of the Toronto Raptors for the past several seasons and played a major role in leading the team to the NBA championship in 2019. Posting over 19 PPG and 7 APG, VanVleet can take over the reins on offense and form a Big Three with LeBron and Davis on the court.
Khris Middleton
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2022-23 Season Statistics: 15.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Khris Middleton had a very difficult season with the Milwaukee Bucks. He only appeared in 33 games in the regular season and was not himself when he did play, posting only 15.1 PPG. He showed he can still be effective in the playoffs, posting 23.8 PPG on 40.6% 3-PT FG, but his team was still dismantled by the Miami Heat. Middleton showed enough in the playoffs on an individual level to attract a host of teams, one of which could be the Los Angeles Lakers.
Middleton is a versatile and talented player who has established himself as one of the top two-way players in the NBA. With his ability to score from all areas of the court and create his own shot, Middleton would have added a valuable dimension to the Lakers’ offense. In addition to his scoring prowess, Middleton is also a strong defensive player who can guard multiple positions. This would have been particularly important for the Lakers given their focus on playing a tough and physical style of basketball. Middleton won a championship with the Bucks alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, so he can do the same alongside James and Davis.
Draymond Green
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2022-23 Season Statistics: 8.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Draymond Green to the Los Angeles Lakers has been a major topic all year. After all, the Lakers have a chance to acquire Green and also kickstart a new reshuffle of the roster to contend for the championship even if there will be competition from other teams that want the four-time champion. Draymond Green is a versatile and dominant player who is still one of the best defenders in the NBA despite his offensive limitations. No doubt, the Los Angeles Lakers have the opportunity to sign a player that can anchor the defense while also providing valuable leadership s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s to a talented roster.
Green’s defensive prowess is well-known throughout the league, earning him multiple NBA All-Defensive Team selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award. With the Lakers’ focus on strong defensive play, Green’s signing would be a perfect fit for the team. In addition to his defensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, Green is also a gifted facilitator on the offensive end of the court. He possesses a unique ability to read the game, make quick decisions, and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Draymond Green is a big fan of LeBron James and the two are foes turn friends, so this could be a massive signing to fortify the team’s defense.
Kyrie Irving
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2022-23 Season Statistics: 27.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG
The Lakers want Kyrie Irving as it might fit into one of the team’s master plans. Kyrie Irving is still one of the best point guards in the NBA, with excellent dribbling s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and remarkable scoring ability. As for the Los Angeles Lakers, they already have two top-tier stars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis but adding Irving to the mix would create a formidable Big Three that would spell the end for most teams in the Western Conference. How many players in the league can post 27 PPG with relative ease?
Together, James, Davis, and Irving would complement each other’s s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and form one of the most potent offensive trios in the league. Additionally, Irving’s experience and ability to hit clutch shots in critical moments could make him a vital piece of the Lakers’ playoff push. LeBron and Kyrie won a championship together in the 2015-16 season with the Cavaliers, and while the point guard left on ugly terms, it makes sense for Kyrie and the Lakers to have a spectacular reunion for the ages.
