Jun 21, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) celebrates with the Bill Russell mvp trophy after winning the NBA championship in game five of the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena. The Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-106. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

With Dwight Howard taking a breath of fresh air before making his ‘decision’ and Kobe Bryant climbing an uphill battle against an Achilles injury, there’s no telling if either of them will be suiting up for the Lakers in 2014.

What we do know, however, is that Steve Nash is currently the only contract on the books for the Lakers in 2014.

With that, I’d like to take a look at a few of the biggest names on the market in 2014 which the Lakers could potentially pursue. Never to early too start looking ahead, right?

Lebron James

So it’s far-fetched, but the best basketball player in the world will be hitting the market in 2014. For whatever reason, there’s mumblings around the web that he’ll reunite with the Cavaliers – which I’m not seeing the validity in myself. Adrian Wojnarowski doesn’t either.

Be that as it may, James could either be in the midst of a dynasty with the Heat in 2014, or on a team losing steam with the inevitable decline of Dwyane Wade. Should it be the latter, we could see the big three in Miami go their separate ways.

Carmelo Anthony

We’re dealing with a double-edged sword here. Melo is a supreme talent and an elite scorer in the league, no one can deny that. But on that same token, there are serious questions surrounding his ability to lead a team to a title.

Even so, LA would probably be in a better position to surround him with talent – mostly because their pockets have no conscience.

Rudy Gay

Gay will be 28, entering his prime and ready to get the hell out of Toronto in 2014. No offense, Toronto.

While Gay has never shed his label as a borderline star, he’s the type of player that could settle into a Robin role – with some Batman upside. The Grizzlies ascent to the Western Conference Finals in his departure is a little concerning though.

DeMarcus Cousins (restricted)

We’ll toss in a few restricted free agent because the Lakers are never afraid to overspend for mediocre talent.

Alright, so you can overlook the ‘mediocre talent’ bit with this guy, his ceiling is one of the highest you’re likely to come across. On the other hand, he’s kind of a head case. It’ll be interesting to see how that crazy/upside scale grades out in a couple of years.

Eric Bledsoe (restricted)

With Chris Paul in town, Bledsoe is second fiddle and only biding his time till he can get out of a Clippers uniform. And while it’s likely the Clips will try to move him before he skips town, we can only hope that he finds his way to the Lakers. Mark my words, this kid will be elite.

Honorable mentions: Evan Turner (restricted), Kyle Lowry, Danny Granger, Luol Deng, Chris Bosh

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May 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George (24) and Atlanta Hawks small forward Kyle Korver (26) scramble for the ball in the second half of game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Pacers won 81-73. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Things we don’t know: If Dwight Howard will return, if Pau Gasol will be traded, if Metta World Peace will be amnestied.

Things we do know: The Lakers desperately need depth, and aren’t afraid to break out a checkbook.

With that, we want to take a glance at a few of the names hitting the market this offseason.

Be sure to click here if you missed part one.

▷ Kyle Korver – Unrestricted free agent, Atlanta Hawks

Although the 9-year-veteran has recently stated he’s ‘very open’ about a return to the Hawks, he’s an understated defender with a knack for knocking down huge shots and will have more than enough teams bidding for his services this offseason.

Korver finished with the second-highest three point percentage in the league (.457) and had the seventh-highest true shooting percentage – snug between the likes of Lebron James and James Harden.

At 32-years-old he’s still got plenty left in the tank, and proved in Atlanta that he’s actually a very capable starter.

2013 salary: 5,000,000

▷ Jose Calderon – Unrestricted free agent, Detroit Pistons

For the casual NBA fan, Calderon may be the best point guard they’ve never heard of. With career averages of 10.1 points and 7.2 assists, he has one of the purest strokes in the league and uncanny efficiency.

The 7-year-veteran finished the season with the highest three point percentage in the league, second in assists per turnover (4.1) and seventh in assists per 36 minutes.

Calderon was was sent to Detroit as a part of the three-way deal that brought Rudy Gay and Hamed Haddadi to Toronto and Tayshaun Prince, Austin Daye, and Ed Davis to Memphis.  He has been a starter for the majority of his career, but has shown the capacity to be effective off the bench.

2013 salary: 11,046,591

▷ Nate Robinson – Unrestricted free agent, Chicago Bulls

As we continue to witness the incredible performances of this 5’9 point juggernaut this postseason, it would be impossible not to at least mention Robinson as someone the Lakers – and everyone else in the league – should be drooling over when he hits the market this offseason.

Someone will likely overpay the 28-year-old, making him well out of the Lakers reach, but yay for optimism.

2013 salary: 854,389

→ This is the second (part one here) of many articles we will be putting out on potential free agents for the Lakers this offseason. We want to know what YOU think, who you feel LA should pursue. Sound off in the comment section below and let us know.

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