While looking after franchise players LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, Slam Magazine reported there are other free agents that the Lakers have their eyes on. Eric Bledsoe, Chris Bosh, and Isaiah Thomas are on the list.
There's another big fish the Lakers are interested in according to @Chris_Broussard: Chris Bosh.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 1, 2014
Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas are both restricted free agents. If the Lakers make an offer and their respective teams match the offer, they had back to the original teams. Mitch Kupchak has a busy summer now that the draft is over, but there’s no doubt that Laker management is doing what they can to replenish the team’s roster full of talent to compete for a championship.
They are swinging for the fences in the free agency market.
Eric Bledsoe may ask for the maximum contract, even if LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony are more deserving. The ultra-athletic guard has developing point guard skills. He also has unrivaled speed, quickness, and an ability to finish around the rim. He can dance around defenses and finish in the paint with great effectiveness.
Chris Bosh may be more of a modern NBA fit than Pau Gasol. Other teams are contact Pau Gasol as well. Gasol is the better playmaker, but Bosh is the better athlete, younger, and better finisher. Bryant would love to finish his career with Gasol, but the money has to work out as well. It’s possible from the Lakers point of view, that Pau Gasol may be asking too much.
Isaiah Thomas may not be asking for the maximum contract. What makes him interesting as a restricted free agent is, it’s difficult to measure what he’s worth in the NBA. He’s a jitterbug of a point guard and has had great games against the Lakers. He’ll surprise defenses with his quickness, shooting ability, and ability to breakdown a defense.
While these guys aren’t LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony, they would make excellent pieces next to either of them in building a balanced roster full of talent.