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Lakers: 5 Mid-Tier 2016 NBA Free Agency Targets

By Cody Williams

Jul 24, 2014; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak introduces Jeremy Lin during a press conference at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 24, 2014; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak introduces Jeremy Lin during a press conference at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 25, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) walks to the bench during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) walks to the bench during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin spent the 2014-15 season as a member of the Lakers and both he and the fans would like to forget that year for the most part. Even through the tumultuous period that season was at the heart of in Los Angeles, though, Lin became a fan-favorite despite losing value in free agency heading into last season.

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For that reason, he ultimately signed a two-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets that pays him just over $2.2 million per season and has a player option for next year. However, he far outplayed that valuation this past season in Charlotte as he was an integral part of their playoff run this past year. Now he’s expected to opt out of that deal and test the market in free agency where he’ll definitely be given the money that a “mid-tier” player in this league is due.

Though Lin has said publicly that he’d like to re-sign with Charlotte, he’s a player that could really fit well into the Lakers as they’ve clearly taken steps forward since his last stay here. Having him as a third guard to come off the bench behind D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson—especially if the Lakers can deal Lou Williams this summer—would be an intriguing option. Given the spark he’s always been able to provide and what he showed with the Hornets, a Lin-Lakers reunion would be a nice option this offseason.

Next: No. 4 Jared Dudley

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