The Lakers have plenty of cap room for 2016 NBA free agency, but not everyone should be on their radar
2016 NBA free agency is going to be crucial for the Los Angeles Lakers in many ways. It’s no secret at this point that the Lakers are going to be one of the most well-off teams in the league as they tackle the market after the salary cap jumps, but they are also a rebuilding team that could use a severe influx of high quality, smartly selected talent.
Making the right moves this upcoming summer in free agency could really help expedite the rebuilding process in Los Angeles. That’s not to say that every problem that the Lakers currently have can be solved through free agency because, frankly, even $60-plus million in cap room doesn’t make that possible. However, with the right free agency signings, the franchise keeping their first-round pick, and the proper development of the young talent already on the roster, the Lakers could show vast improvement as soon as next season.
However, the front office’s decision-making in recent years hasn’t really been anything that would inspire confidence in the fans as to what they are going to do this coming summer. Whether it’s been trading for Dwight Howard or even signing the likes of Lou Williams and trading for Roy Hibbert in the 2015 offseason, their decisions have seemed short-sighted and based more on making a splash because of name recognition rather than making the best move for the organization.
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The Lakers front office’s recent track record is relevant coming into 2016 free agency because there are plenty of big names that will be available on the open market. However, just signing a big name so that the headline looks pretty is the absolute last thing that the Lakers need as they try to construct a dynasty in a post Kobe Bryant era.
We’ve already discussed current Toronto Raptors guard and likely free agent DeMar DeRozan and why signing him would be a mistake for the Lakers (even with rumored interest already being discussed six months in advance). However, DeRozan is far from being alone in the category of players that the Lakers should stay away from this summer in free agency.
These are five players who are also in that boat with DeRozan and that the Lakers should steer clear of in 2016 NBA free agency.
Next: No. 5 Jeff Green