Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting where each Laker free agent signs

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers congratulates Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 after hitting a three point basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers congratulates Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 after hitting a three point basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers Dion Waiters
Dion Waiters #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Dion Waiters: Los Angeles Lakers

Two weeks ago I would have said that there was very little chance that Dion Waiters stayed with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. There are simply so many guys in front of him on the depth chart and I think he would have preferred to find a place where he can play for his next contract.

However, with all of the reports surrounding the Lakers, Waiters suddenly might have a bigger role, at least in the regular season, with LA. For that reason, I think Rob Pelinka looks to re-sign him to a one-year deal, perhaps overpaying slightly to keep him in LA.

Overpaying for Waiters still is not going to take up a lot of salary-cap space, don’t worry about that.

Rondo and KCP very well could leave the team and by my guesses they will leave the team. Those are two players that I personally did not expect to opt-out of their contracts.

We still do not know what the future holds with Avery Bradley and if he will even want to play next season with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Plus, there is always the open door of the team trading Danny Green.

The only guards that are 100% going to be on the roster next season are Alex Caruso, Quinn Cook and Talen-Horton Tucker. Heck, even THT could be thrown into a trade for another guard like Derrick Rose — who really knows at this point?

Depth is important and for that reason, I think the Lakers look to stay in-house and bring Waiters back on a one-year deal.