The Los Angeles Lakers still have open roster spots and it appeared as if the team was going to land another former all-star and decorated veteran in Andre Iguodala. The Lakers were reportedly one of the three finalists for Iguodala in free agency, however, he opted to return to the Golden State Warriors.
This is not going to break by the Lakers’ season by any means. Iguodala was not the key to the Lakers contending and they are still, by far, the best team in the Western Conference. Not getting Iguodala does not change that.
However, it would have been nice to see Iguodala in the purple and gold. Another defensive presence, especially one that the Lakers can play in crunch time, would have been big for the team and its versatility. They can make it work without him, but it would have been easier with him.
The Los Angeles Lakers now need to pivot to other free agents on the market.
It is clear that the Lakers were waiting out for Iguodala and now that he signed with the Warriors we might see the team approach their plan B targets and work out a deal.
The options have to be limited to minimum contracts as that is the only thing that the Lakers can physically agree to at this point in time. There are still some good options in free agency that the Lakers can explore.