The Los Angeles Lakers have suffered through a down stretch the past couple years, but there’s no reason why this storied franchise can’t retool and reload in epic fashion this summer. Here’s our list of 3 Offseason Needs For The Los Angeles Lakers:
1) Get better depth
Drafting D'Angelo Russell took care of the Lakers' need in the backcourt, but they still lack depth at the forward positions and at center. There are plenty of options on the free agency market, so while Los Angeles is pursuing some of the big names (discussed below), they can't neglect the rest of the roster.
2) Get a dominant force in the post
Jordan Hill and Ed Davis are both free agents, so the time is now for Los Angeles to build from the inside out. With DeMarcus Cousins trying to force a trade to the Lakers and LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, and DeAndre Jordan, all unrestricted free agents, considering taking their talents to Hollywood, Los Angeles shouldn't have a problem finding someone to pair with Julius Randle.
3) Find a small forward
The Lakers used Wesley Johnson to paper over their lack of depth at the three in 2014-15, but Johnson’s inconsistency was irritating at best and scream-inducing at worst. Nick Young’s better as a change-of-pace scorer in his swingman role. So, the Lakers will undoubtedly extend offers to Chicago’s Jimmy Butler and San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard in restricted free agency, but neither of those budding stars are likely to go anywhere.
A safer bet would be Orlando’s Tobias Harris. Harris is a 6’9″ two-way force who uses his length to disrupt offensive threats big and small. He’s likely to price the Magic out at a projected $15 million or more a year — a perfect storm for the Lakers to swoop in with the checkbook.
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