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Los Angeles Lakers: Top 3 free agents team should target

By Darrel Wilson

June 23, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson speaks to media before introducing newly drafted player Lonzo Ball at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
June 23, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson speaks to media before introducing newly drafted player Lonzo Ball at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Nov 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) attempts a three-point basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Lakers won 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Tim Hardaway Jr. – Shooting Guard, Atlanta Hawks

At six-foot-six, Hardaway will add length to the Lakers backcourt and eat up space on the defensive perimeter, which is needed to play in Golden State’s NBA. He attempted 5.3 three-pointers per game, connecting at a 36 percent clip. With Lonzo Ball orchestrating the offense, Hardaway will get cleaner looks and that percentage is sure to improve.

The Atlanta Hawks operate as a poor business’s version of the San Antonio Spurs. Therefore, Hardaway would be making a seamless transition into the offense that Luke Walton is dreaming up.

The Hawks are in the midst of tearing down a team that perennially played for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. They traded Dwight Howard after just one season in his hometown and appear to be okay with letting their best player, Paul Millsap, walk away. They currently only have seven guaranteed contracts on the books.

Hardaway should be seeking to get paid more than the $4.6 million qualifying offer the Hawks can present him. If the Lakers are able to sign him they will have one the biggest athletic backcourts in the league and would be difficult to stop.

Kyle Korver, a former Hawk, is a much better shooter and would also be a great fit but at a heftier price.

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