Top 25 NBA Free Agents 2016: Who Could Lakers Sign?

Apr 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives past Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs beat the Pistons 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives past Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs beat the Pistons 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) celebrates with forward Patrick Patterson (54) against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) celebrates with forward Patrick Patterson (54) against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

7. DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors (Unrestricted)

Especially when you talk about the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016 NBA free agency, one of the names that has continually popped up in connection with the franchise has been Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan. He’s almost surely going to command a max contract this offseason and there are going to be a number of teams interested—and the Lakers are expected to be one of those teams. However, there’s obviously a lot involved in that decision for DeRozan and the Lakers.

More lakers: Lakers: DeMar DeRozan Is Not the Answer

DeRozan has shown time and again that he can be a valuable commodity for the Raptors and when he’s in the right situation. He has the handles and athleticism to get open and create his own shot and also the ability to get open without the ball. While not a great outside shooter, he’s great at drawing fouls, getting to the rim, and has improved his mid-range jump shooting. Moreover, his physical gifts lend to him having tremendous defensive potential.

Whether you like it or not as a Lakers fan, the team is at least going to talk to DeRozan. He’s an LA kid and the narrative writes itself. However, he’s also a player that doesn’t make sense for this team as they need proven defenders and high quality outside scorers. Given DeRozan’s deficiencies in that regard, hopefully LA stays away even if they initially pursue him.

Next: No. 6 Horford