Lakers Rumors Roundup: Lakers target five free agents, Gasol leaning toward re-signing?

In today's Lakers Rumors Roundup, we move away from the LeBron/Melo sweepstakes to look at a litany of other free agent options at the Los Angeles Lakers' disposal - including the increasing likelihood that the team could re-sign Pau Gasol.

Pau Gasol to give "strong consideration" toward re-signing

According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Lakers big man Pau Gasol is still smarting from the bombardment of trade rumors which dogged him all season long in 2013-14.

However, the Lakers still hold a soft spot in his heart:

While free-agent forward Pau Gasol grew tired of the persistent trade rumors that followed him for the better part of the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, he would give strong consideration to re-signing with the team, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.”

Gasol's return could also very well be contingent on cap space - especially if the Lakers land either LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony in free agency.

Four key free agents the Lakers could sign (not named LeBron or Melo)

The Lakers are rumored to be ready to put their best foot forward after July 1st, doing whatever they can to grab one of the two biggest names on the open market.

However, per ESPN's Shelburne (via Dan Duangdao of Lakers Nation), the Lakers have several contingency plans in case they can't secure either LeBron or Anthony:

“If they are unable to land Anthony or James, the Lakers are also expected to have a strong interest in Washington free-agent forward Trevor Ariza, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, Detroit center Greg Monroe and Phoenix forward Channing Frye, according to sources.”

Count Houston Rockets forward Chandler Parsons in as well. According to Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports, the Lakers, Bulls, and Mavericks could look to Parsons as a backup plan if they fail to pick up Carmelo Anthony.

 

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