‘Internal’ Unrestricted Free Agents – three free agents from the Lakers roster this season
Pros: He was a dual threat on the block and at the 3-point line, especially in the second half of the season. He was also a positive veteran voice on a young team. If the Lakers aren’t convinced that either Zubac or Bryant are ready to step up, he could be an excellent presence at the 5. That especially holds true if he would give the Lakers a ‘home team discount’.
Cons: He is not a good rebounder for a 7-footer and is slow-footed on defensive switches. The team should use cap room elsewhere and give more playing time to Zubac and/or Bryant.
Pros: If he has sufficiently recovered from his hip injury, and no team offers him an attractive multi-year deal, the Lakers should welcome him back on a one-year contract. Just a year ago, he was a dynamic scorer and dominant 4th quarter player. In his brief time with the Lakers, he had a positive influence on the young core.
Cons: He is too ball-dominant on offense and is a liability on defense. His attitude could also be disruptive if he doesn’t start or get the playing team he thinks he deserves.
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (the most likely of the Lakers unrestricted free agents to receive an attractive multi-year deal elsewhere)
Pros: Very quietly, he had the best overall year of his career this past season and fit in quite well alongside Ball in the backcourt. If by some chance he is willing to accept a one-year deal to stay in LA, he would provide excellent defense along with 3-point shooting.
Cons: It’s time to move on from KCP. Hopefully, the Lakers sign PG13 to play that position. Even if they don’t, they need to spend their cap room dollars on all-stars, not supporting players.
The Lakers front office will, of course, do what it considers to be best for the team. The opinion here is this is what it should do:
1. Re-sign Randle
2. Exercise team options on Zubac and Bryant
3. Hold onto the signed ‘core four’ (Ingram, Ball, Kuzma and Hart)
4. Try to sign George, but avoid James and Cousins
5. Wait and try to sign Leonard in 2019 (if he’s available)
6. If possible, re-sign Lopez (in case neither Zubac nor Bryant is ready)
7. If they can’t sign George, try to re-sign either KCP or IT
Next: Los Angeles Lakers Ultimate Guide to 2018 Offseason
What’s your opinion? Which players do you think the Lakers should sign, keep or trade for?