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Lakers: 5 Players to Avoid in 2016 Free Agency

By Cody Williams

Jan 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) reacts to a call by the official during the third quarter in a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) reacts to a call by the official during the third quarter in a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards forward Nene Hilario (42) grabs a rebound over Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the second half in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Wizards 82-81. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards forward Nene Hilario (42) grabs a rebound over Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the second half in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Wizards 82-81. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Nene

With Roy Hibbert coming off of the books this offseason, the Lakers are certainly going to be in pursuit of a center in free agency to put in the middle as both a defensive anchor and a reliable offensive threat. Considering the slight market at the position in 2016 free agency and the frenzy that’s inevitably set to ensue, that could potentially lead the Lakers to putting a band-aid on a wound that needs stitches, which is what signing forward/center Nene would be.

For starters, the last thing that the Lakers need as they try to take the next major step in the rebuilding process is someone that you can’t rely on to stay on the floor. The sad fact is that Nene is unquestionably that type of player and has been for the majority of is career. The current Washington Wizards big man hasn’t played over 70 games in a season since 2010-11 with the Denver Nuggets. At 33 years old, that’s not a problem that’s going to dissipate over the end of his career.

Moreover, Nene’s effectiveness over the past couple of seasons when he’s been healthy hasn’t been near at the level that it once was. The big man is capable of solid offensive outputs on any given night, but that level of production on a consistent basis hasn’t been there. Given that he’s also been a questionable defender in addition to that and his value only continues to decline.

Nene is another player who likely isn’t going to demand a max contract or a deal even close to that. However, he’s a veteran player who fill a need for the Lakers with a recognizable name, which makes it worrisome that the Lakers might pursue him. That would, of course, be a big mistake.

Next: No. 2 Rajon Rondo

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