Los Angeles Lakers: 4 defensive free agents that could be signed

By Jason Reed | Jun 30, 2021

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 13: Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach Frank Vogel during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on April 13, 2021 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum would have been a perfect addition on this year’s Los Angeles Lakers team. It ultimately would not have changed anything as Anthony Davis getting hurt was still the team’s ultimate death sentence, but that does not change the fact that Batum would have been an exceptional fit.

Batum signed a one-year minimum deal with the Los Angeles Clippers after being bought out by the Charlotte Hornets and is still a great fit for the Lakers next season. It is more than just the defense, though.

Batum brings versatility to the Lakers that allows them to do maximize the talent they have. While Markieff Morris was great in last year’s playoffs, Batum is essentially a much better version of Morris.

He is someone who can defend the other team’s best guard and forward while also being capable to hold his own against some bigs. More importantly, he allows the team to go with a small-ball lineup, which the Clippers used to torch Utah, with Batum being an elite catch-and-shoot three-point shooter.

Batum’s overall and advanced numbers are slightly above average but his versatility to essentially guard four of the five positions, and sometimes all five, turns his above-average numbers into elite numbers.

The hope is that Batum did not play well enough to get more than the minimum contract and that he woudln’t mind switching LA teams because he would be great on the Lakers.

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