SF: Nicolas Batum
Nicolas Batum may not have been the name that you were expecting for the small forward position but he is definitely the best player that the Lakers could add. There are multiple factors to weigh here, including the talent that is already on the roster.
The Lakers’ best player is a small forward in LeBron James and the forward position as a whole is already getting a lot of minutes taken. It would make more sense for the Lakers to go after a player of Batum’s caliber for his price than spend more on a slightly better small forward.
Batum is likely going to get a veteran minimum deal or slightly more than that and the Lakers can absolutely afford it. While he may want to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers, the hope is that he wants to switch locker rooms and play with LeBron James.
Batum has revived his career by becoming a 40% three-point shooter and fitting into his role on the Clippers perfectly. He is an off-ball catch-and-shoot guy, especially when it comes to corner threes. If there is someone to put in the corner while LeBron drives it is Batum.
What makes Batum very interesting is his ability to line up against fours and hold his own as well as the ability to play him as a small-ball center as the Los Angeles Clippers have in the playoffs. That versatility is exactly what you want out of a player when the games matter the most.
Batum was a great fit for the Lakers back before he signed with the Clippers and he would still be a great fit today.