Los Angeles Lakers: 4 free agents to pursue if Marc Gasol doesn’t return

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball in the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on February 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball in the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on February 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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(Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Paul Millsap

Paul Millsap is probably the best straight-up power forward available on the market and he has to be included in this conversation. Unlike Aldridge, Millsap is not really suited to play center but it could help give the Lakers center depth.

This is the route to explore if the Lakers are low on both Biyombo and Cousins (can’t blame them if so) and are unable to land Aldridge. In this situation, the Lakers would be adding a power forward to play 18-20 minutes at the floor, allowing Davis 18-20 more minutes at the five.

Davis has been hesitant to play the five in the past but he has every reason to this season with Russell Westbrook in town. This finally looks like the year that Davis becomes the center we all have wanted him to be, and it might be because of necessity.

If the Lakers are looking to bring in a four to play that much at this point in the offseason then there is no better option than Millsap. While not the most exciting player, he would provide quality, consistent minutes for LA, which is all you can really ask for.

The Lakers have Carmelo Anthony and Trevor Ariza to figure out the other 28-30 minutes at the position. AD would likely log some minutes at the four in crunch time as well next to Dwight Howard.

The Lakers do not have many options remaining and that is why it is so important that Marc Gasol does play next season. If not, the team is in a scramble.