The season is over the Los Angeles Lakers, and they've already turned their attention toward the offseason. Luke Walton will be the head coach and he'll be tasked with helping the Lakers return to the NBA playoffs. The Lakers have plenty of a cap space and will be able to go after at least a few free agents this offseason.
While the Lakers would love to land Kevin Durant, he's not a realistic target at this point. However, with Kobe Bryant gone, the Lakers have plenty of money to throw at free agents. We're ignoring the Lakers' own free agents and instead focusing on other team's players. With that in mind, here are 4 realistic free agent targets for the Lakers this offseason.
4. Kent Bazemore
Bazemore actually played for the Lakers near the end of the 2013-14 season. He's become a totally different player in Atlanta, developing into a true 3-and-D player. That's exactly what the Lakers need, and Bazemore shouldn't break the bank or be max player. The Lakers lack players on the wing and Bazemore would help fill a major need.
3. Festus Ezeli
The Lakers lack a true center, and adding Ezeli would provide just that. He's due for a big pay day as an unrestricted free agent. The Warriors might not be able to afford him, and the presence of Walton in Los Angeles could help the Lakers land him. While there is risk because Ezeli has never had a real chance to start full-time at center, it's worth the risk. Still just 26 years old, he's younger than most of the options at the spot. He narrowly beat out Hassan Whiteside for this spot.
2. Al Horford
Much like Ezeli, Horford will fill a big need at center. He'll turn 30 this offseason, but should have several years left in him. Another max-player, Horford might very well leave Atlanta. He'd be a great fit in Los Angeles and the Lakers will likely offer him a max deal. For more Lakers coverage, download the Chat Sports App!
1. DeMar DeRozan
An unrestricted free agent, DeRozan is the top realistic option for the Lakers. He's from Los Angeles and although he loves Toronto, the lure of playing for the Lakers gives the team a shot at landing him. He'll command a max deal no matter what, and the Lakers can afford him. He'd fill a major need at SF, although his high-volume style of shooting might not be the best fit for the Lakers.
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