Los Angeles Lakers: Why LA’s next free agency move is a power forward

2. The best options on the market are power forwards

When surveying the current free-agent market the position that stands out the most with the best options is the power forward position. Sure, there are other free agents that could help the team, such as JJ Redick or Avery Bradley.

I would not mind if the Lakers signed either of those players but with all of the depth at guard, it feels much more unlikely than the team signing a power forward.

There are several options at power forward. If the team wants to go after a veteran four that is going to be intrigued in ring chasing then they could call Paul Millsap, who can absolutely give a solid 15-20 minutes off the bench.

They could also pursue LaMarcus Aldridge, who retired last season with health concerns but is reportedly surveying an NBA comeback after seeking additional medical advice. He would be a slightly better version of Millsap.

If the team wants someone on a lesser role they could target the likes of Ersan Ilyasova. He can stretch the floor and can be an option if Millsap and Aldridge wanted a bigger role.

So why is this taking so long? My only guess would be that Lauri Markannen is going to move the market. The restricted free agent still has not found a new team despite being a young, promising offensive four.

He would be a solid get for the Lakers but there is no chance he ends up in LA unless he agrees to a minimum contract and Chicago doesn’t match, which would not make sense at all for that price point.

Once he signs or is traded the rest of the power forward market could follow suit and the Lakers might make their move.