Los Angeles Lakers: 4 2019 free agents that would have been perfect fits

By Jason Reed | Aug 23, 2020

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 08: Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks looks at his hand after he made a 3 point shot during the third quarter during his game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on February 08, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. J.J. Redick

Contract signed: Two years, $26.5 million

Prior to this season, J.J. Redick had never missed the NBA Playoffs in his entire career. In fact, dating back to college and high school, Redick never missed the postseason. The New Orleans Pelicans did not make the NBA Playoffs after a really poor showing in the bubble, ending Redick’s streak.

It could have been extended if he signed with the team on the other end of the Anthony Davis trade and he would have been a solid fit.

Redick signed exactly the kind of contract that the Lakers were signing in the offseason. His salary was a bit high, but the two-year deal fits the Lakers’ M.O. and $26.5 million would have absolutely been doable without some other signings.

And again, just imagine if Redick was on the team instead of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. While KCP has had some really solid games, Redick is a far more consistent shooter and is far more playoff battle-tested, which would have fit in nicely with the Lakers.

Redick shot an absurd 45.3 percent from beyond the arc this season. If I could hop into my hindsight time machine, I would still sign Curry over Redick (Curry is just as good, younger and cheaper) but Redick would have been an excellent veteran fit as well whose contract was slightly more geared towards the Lakers.

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