May 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) guards Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Golden State Warriors beat Memphis Grizzlies 101-84. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Step 3: Load Up Frontcourt in 2015 Free Agency
With Russell and Kobe, the guard spots should be set for the next few years. Russell shouldn’t take long to develop into a star, and although Kobe will be 37 to start next season, he will still be one of the most skilled guards in the NBA. The next move will to get some big men.
The two most likely big name free agents to leave their current teams this summer are Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge however has constantly been rumored to go to his home state in Texas, whether it is the Spurs or the Mavs. Love on the other hand seems like a very likely target for the Lakers this summer. The Cavs’ top priority after re-signing LeBron James will be Tristian Thompson. Thompson will be given a max contract, meaning the Cavs would be a bit shaky when it comes to cap space. Not having enough money would not be the only issue. If the Cavs offer Thompson before Love, they will be sending a clear message to Love that he is not the most valued power forward in Cleveland. Then, the Lakers come in. Love should be the Lakers first target this summer, and they should go all out to bring the former Bruin home.
Apr 15, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) shoots against Washington Wizards center
DeJuan Blair(45) in the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers would offer Love a max contract, meaning they would have around 10-12 million more dollars to work with this summer.
So far, the Lakers would have a trio of Russell, Kobe, and Love. One clear issue here is the lack of defense among these three stars. This is where those extra 12-ish million dollars come in. Omer Asik, Robin Lopez, and Tyson Chandler, three centers in that money range that will protect the rim with pleasure, are all free agents this summer. Out of the three, I’d say Chandler seems like the most realistic target, as the Mavs have other priorities this summer (Lamarcus Aldridge). If the Lakers sign Chandler to a let’s say two year/23 million dollar deal, they won’t have to worry about the potential defensive lapses caused by a 37 year old Kobe and the sub-par athleticism of Russell and Love.
The final step in this frontcourt project is to re-sign Carlos Boozer for a veteran’s minimum. Boozer would bring the Lakers some scoring off the bench, and some more veteran leadership along with Chandler and Kobe. Mathematically, it would be hard for the Lakers to bring back Ed Davis in this situation, but if they can work it out money-wise, Davis would be a great backup center who can assure rim protection even when Chandler is not on the floor.
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