7 veteran free agents the Los Angeles Lakers should avoid at all costs

By Jason Reed | May 25, 2022

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 17: LaMarcus Aldridge #21 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Barclays Center on February 17, 2022 in New York City. 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 Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

5. Serge Ibaka

I vividly remember Clipper fans in our mentions talking about the huge addition of Serge Ibaka during the 2020 offseason while also downplaying the addition of Montrezl Harrell. They were ultimately right about Harrell but they were completely wrong about Ibaka.

Ibaka did not have nearly the kind of impact that the Clippers were hoping for an he suddenly became a bad contract for the team. He got hurt in his first season with the team and then was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Anyone that might be interested in Ibaka because they see his good three-point percentage and recognize his name should go rewatch the Celtics-Bucks playoff series. You won’t see much of Ibaka, which is the entire point. He is no longer a valuable member of a playoff rotation.

Despite being only 32 years old Ibaka seems 10 steps slower than he used to be as he has not aged well with the injuries that he has suffered. While he has some potential as a big who can stretch the floor as an off-ball shooter, that potential is met with big offensive limitations and below-average defense.

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