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Lakers: 7 guards to trade for and 7 to sign in free agency this offseason

By Cameron Salce

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 07: Chris Paul #3 and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 07, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 07: Chris Paul #3 and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 07, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The Los Angeles Lakers have plenty of guard options this offseason.

As amazing as last season was, winning an NBA record 17th title in franchise history. The Los Angeles Lakers organization and its fans are never satisfied with success, and always want to follow a championship with another back-to-back to run.

That being said many teams around the league will be better next season, so the Lakers are going to have to improve a roster that went 16-5 in playoffs on the road to a title, to win another one right away. Surprisingly enough, there are plenty of ways the Lakers can turn that dream into a reality going into the 2020-21 season.

The guard position, in particular, is due for a major upgrade this offseason, and despite what many may think, the Lakers have the assets and the cap space to make that happen.

During their postseason run, Rajon, Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were two of the best options at guard for the Lakers, but they are free agents going into this offseason. Even though they both played huge roles in the championship, it would not be a surprise to see the Lakers let them both walk in free agency to try to upgrade the position.

Alex Caruso figures to be the only “untouchable” Lakers’ guard that will for sure be back on a contract next year, and the way he played in the playoffs and finals is why he should be considered unavailable in any trade as well.

Speaking of trades, there have already been rumors this offseason of all-star caliber guards like Jrue Holiday and Chris Paul being available in trade talks. Bradley Beal also just bought property in Los Angeles, wink wink.

In free agency, there are also plenty of options that the Lakers can use the projected 34 million in cap space that was supposed to be used for Kawhi last season. They could possibly swing for the fences again this year, and get a much lesser name but a valuable piece.

Some lesser names that are available on the free-agent market are Jrue’s brother Justin who is a defensive ace, and former Lakers’ scoring specialist Jordan Clarkson, who could both be intriguing additions to the squad.

This year’s free agency crop does not have an elite level player in the group, but there are some game-changers in the 2020 class. The best guards the Lakers could go after play for teams that were in the Eastern Conference playoffs last season, and you will have to click through the full list to see who that is.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, NBA free agency will start later this month and the cap has not shifted much, so the Lakers will not have much time to make their free agency decisions.

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