Los Angeles Lakers: 5 must-sign free agents after Russell Westbrook trade

By Jason Reed | Jul 30, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 03: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards dribbles against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Capital One Arena on May 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Will Newton/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. JJ Redick

Did we mention that the Los Angeles Lakers need shooters? When we are discussing cheap, veteran shooting options there is nobody that we can put on this list before JJ Redick.

Redick is entering free agency after signing a two-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans that will likely be the last substantial deal of his career. From this point out, at his age, Redick is likely only going to sign veteran minimum deals and the first should be with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The great part about Redick is that despite him never winning an NBA Championship, he is one of the most experienced playoff players in the entire NBA. Redick has made the playoffs in every single season except his first season in New Orleans and even made the NBA Finals with the Orlando Magic.

He may not be prime Redick and he might be rather one-dimensional at this stage in his career but he can still hit a three-pointer, especially as an off-ball threat as LeBron James or Russell Westbrook penetrate and pass out.

Redick shot 37.1% from three last season but shot 39.5% once he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. He is a career 41.5% shooter from downtown and has shot as high as 47.5% from beyond the arc in a single season.

That is exactly what the Los Angeles Lakers need and Redick should be high on the team’s priority list.

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