Los Angeles Lakers: Top 3 free agents team should target

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
Jan 26, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. (7) and Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) both reacts in the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz won 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Ingles – Forward, Utah Jazz

The longer Joe Ingles has played in this league, the better his game has transitioned from international play. Every aspect of the Australian’s game has improved during his three years in the league, which has led him to become a key part of the Utah Jazz resurgence.

You will be missing out on what he offers if you just take a look at his statistics because the only one that will jump off your screen is his 44 percent shooting from beyond the arc last season. Slow Mo Joe can facilitate the offense in the half court and provide intangibles like setting hard screens and mixing it up with opponents when the team needs it. He is also a savant at running the pick and roll.

Ingles has a high basketball IQ and is everything you want from a player in the position-less era of the NBA. He can switch onto any player from the one to the four on the defensive end and play the passing lanes. His toughness on this side of the floor is something the Lakers desperately need. Ask Chris Paul how uncomfortable Ingles made him in the playoffs.

The pace in which Utah plays with is slower than molasses. Ingles will flourish and be more recognized for his talents playing in the Lakers open offense. Besides, would you rather play in Los Angeles or Utah? Utah can offer him the type of contract he truly deserves but their number one concern will be trying to re-sign Gordon Hayward.

Next: 6 Options For Lakers At Shooting Guard

Acquiring Ingles might be a long shot but if the Lakers offer him a one-year deal at around $12 million dollars with a team option for another year, he might jump at the opportunity while the getting is good.

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