If we could use hindsight, the Los Angeles Lakers would have a perfect 2019 offseason.
Hindsight is always 20-20 and if we had a time machine and could go back to last Summer then we could make the Los Angeles Lakers‘ offseason even better. The first thing would be to tel Rob Pelinka not to waste time on Kawhi Leonard’s decision and instead pursue the marquee role playing free agents.
With all things considered, the Lakers did a good job of pivoting and bringing in role players after missing out on Kawhi. However, that does not mean that the team could not have done a better job.
We have pinpointed four 2019 free agents that would have helped the team tremendously in the current NBA Playoffs. And we must make something clear: we stayed on the realm of realism here. No Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler or even a role player like Brook Lopez. We picked players that signed manageable contracts that the Lakers easily could have matched.
1. Derrick Rose
- Contract signed: Two years, $15 million
This is right in the realm of contracts that the Los Angeles Lakers signed last summer and there was speculation at the trade deadline that the Lakers would pursue Rose, who continued his comeback tour with a really solid season in Detroit.
Rose essentially would be a better version of Rajon Rondo. And while Rondo being out has showcased his importance that was probably overlooked, I still think it is safe to say that Rose would have absolutely been the better secondary playmaker.
The one advantage to Rondo is he is in a stage of his career to take a lesser role. Rose is trying to get back on the horse and likely would want a bit more usage than Rondo has gotten.
Regardless, the Lakers M.O. seemed to be to sign two-year deals, which is exactly what Rose got from Detroit.