Nov 10, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) defends in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Unrestricted Free Agents:
These are the players the Lakers typically focus on, as restricted free agency can be a dangerous game, with money tied up in players until their team decides if they want to match. These players will be available for any team to sign, and with the cap rising dramatically, competition will be fierce.
Kevin Durant:
Fit: Perfect
Likelihood: Very Low
Kevin Durant signing with their team is the dream of every NBA fan in the world. A prolific scorer with silky smooth jumpers, insane length, and impressive athleticism, Durant is a consensus top-five player in the league, with most people ranking him within the top three when fully healthy. As if that wasn’t enough, Durant also plays the small-forward, the Lakers most pressing position of need.
Adding Kevin Durant would instantly put the Lakers on the map. He fits very well with the Lakers young core and could provide them with the go-to scorer they desperately need. Durant would also take much of the pressure off the Lakers young players and allow them more freedom on the court. Although his age separates him from the Lakers core, the presence of a player of his caliber could accelerate the rebuild and give the Lakers a chance of winning during his contract.
Unfortunately, the likelihood of Durant joining the Lakers this off-season is very low. Although not impossible, it is unlikely Durant will want to join a team as far from contention as the Lakers. Even with Durant, the Lakers would likely need to wait for Russell and Randle to develop further before truly becoming contenders. At 27, Durant is already in his prime, and will likely opt to play with a team already within its title window.
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Al Horford:
Fit: Okay
Likelihood: Low
Al Horford is a very talented offensive player who could step into the role of featured scorer for the Lakers immediately. However, as a 6′ 10″ center, Horford has never been an impact player on the defensive end, an area the Lakers desperately need help in.
Although Horford could play the four, the Lakers have that spot locked up with Julius Randle. Playing Horford at the five would remove the Lakers best defensive player this year in Roy Hibbert, and replace him with a much less effective defender.
Additionally, Horford will be thirty years old by the beginning of next season, making his fit with such a young team even more questionable. He also plays for a contending team that fits his strengths quite well, making it likely he’ll stay put in Atlanta. Although Al Horford is a very solid player, his talents and age just don’t fit perfectly with the current Lakers team.
Next: Much Needed Small Forward: DeRozan and Batum