5 Restricted Free Agents the Lakers Should Target

1. Eric Bledsoe

Apr 12, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard

(20) and Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Suns 101-98. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest problem for the Lakers in their potential pursuit of Eric Bledsoe is that Phoenix may not allow it. Multiple times, Suns management has said they’ll match any offer made his way, and they certainly have the space for it. However, that shouldn’t deter the Lakers from making an offer, likely something of a poison pill contract similar to what Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik got with the Rockets.

However, Bledsoe appears to be worth every dime. In his first season as a starter with consistent minutes, he exploded onto the scene 17.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 47% field goal shooting. A super athletic point guard, Bledsoe’s game is still evolving. He still can improve his decision-making, still can improve his vision, and still isn’t a pure point guard, but he’s still a great, young player who is going to cash in this summer.