Lakers: 5 reasons why Maurice Harkless is a great free agent target
By Robert Marvi
5. He’s young
As James gets older and older, the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster needs to start getting younger, especially since head coach Frank Vogel has built the team on a foundation of aggressive, active defense and a high-octane fast-breaking offense.
Harkless is 27 years of age, which is just about the perfect age, as it’s the same age as Anthony Davis and just several months older than super sub Alex Caruso.
If Harkless signs with L.A. and does well, he could be a key contributor for years to come. That carries the added benefit of built-in chemistry at the start of each upcoming season that he’s still on the team.
On the other hand, if the Lakers rely heavily on older players in their mid-30s who are on their last legs, they run the risk of said players significantly declining once they arrive in Southern California or shortly afterward.
One of the reasons it’s so hard to repeat as champs is that players get older and start declining. In addition, they start losing their hunger.
New blood is needed, and it’s best to bring in players who are under 30, or at the very least, under 32 so that they will have enough juice to take on the rest of the league.
Keep in mind that the NBA will be even stronger next season, with the resurgence of the Golden State Warriors, the emergence of the Brooklyn Nets and existing contenders continuing to improve.