NBA Rumors: Chris Bosh a possible Lakers target?

Jan 23, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) is pressured by Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

With all the focus in South Beach on LeBron James’s impending free agency, it’s easy to forget that Chris Bosh also has the option to opt out this off-season. Bosh, seen as the third wheel in Miami’s Big 3, has the ability to opt-out this summer, just like Wade and James. According to Chad Ford of ESPN, many around the league feel Bosh will leave the Heat this summer.

"From what I can gather talking to teams and agents around the league, it’s Chris Bosh who is the most likely to leave. LeBron and Wade are so good, I think we all forget what a force Bosh can be. Lots of teams would give him the max and feature him in ways Miami can’t. LeBron might leave, but I think the odds are in Miami’s favor."

If Bosh leaves, the Lakers will likely make a run at the big man. He would fit Mike D’Antoni’s system and could play both the power forward and center roles with the Lakers. Pair him with a possible draft pick like Joel Embiid or Aaron Gordon and the Lakers could have their front court for the future.