The Los Angeles Lakers are slated to have over 10 free agents enter the market this summer, and the team is also tight on cap space, so signing quality options will be strenuous.
As evident in the first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers need to reconstruct the roster and surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis with more off-the-bounce threats on offense who can hold it down on defense, too.
Los Angeles had the No. 1 ranked defense during the regular season, but the offensive numbers are the complete antithesis to L.A.’s defensive prowess.
The free-agent market is filled with enticing options, but there’s enough available who would be significant upgrades for L.A. if the franchise can pull it off with the financial constraints.
According to Brad Turner of The Los Angeles Times, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan both are interested in playing with the Lakers:
“DeRozan, who starred at Compton High and USC, has interest in returning home to play for the Lakers, even if it is for less than the $27.7 million he earned last season in San Antonio, according to people not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
Though the Lakers didn’t acquire Lowry at the trade deadline, he remains interested in joining them, according to people with knowledge of his situation.”
DeRozan last played for the San Antonio Spurs and will be an unrestricted free agent. Lowry last suited up for the Toronto Raptors and will also be unrestricted.
The Lakers and Raptors were in deep trade talks at the trade deadline that would’ve sent Lowry to L.A., but Los Angeles refused to include Talen Horton-Tucker in the deal.
As promising as it sounds that two All-Stars want to join L.A., executing both signings is a tough ask. L.A. has only the $9.5 million taxpayer MLE to play around with and the $674,000 trade exception acquired in the JaVale McGee trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It’s highly unlikely to expect DeRozan or Lowry to take a minimum deal as this is likely their last chance at landing a big payday.
The free-agent market opens on Aug. 2,
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