Dec 21, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard
(5) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Hornets 102-95. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
2. Nicolas Batum
Especially considering how beneficial he has been to the Charlotte Hornets in his first season as a part of that team this season, Nicolas Batum should be one of the hottest commodities on the market in 2016 NBA free agency. Much like Barnes, Batum is a lethal and versatile threat on both ends of the floor and offers many attributes that would be great for the Lakers as they try and move on past the Kobe era.
Batum’s defensive capabilities is one of the primary reasons why the current Hornets forward should be on the Lakers’ radar. He has the length and agility to keep up with some of the best players on the perimeter throughout the league, but also has the size to match up with some power forwards and even defend fours in small ball lineups.
Then you have Batum’s offensive capabilities where he’s a versatile and capable scorer, but also is an incredible passer that can facilitate an offense while not being the primary ball-handler. Throwing him into the fold with the Lakers young core would be interesting and would almost surely be helpful in helping the team grow towards being successful once again.
Next: No. 1 Whiteside