Los Angeles Lakers: 3 back-up power forwards to pursue in free agency

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 03, 2022 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 03: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 03, 2022 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

1. Markieff Morris

Former Laker Markieff Morris is someone who we have mentioned several times in different articles this offseason and is someone who we will continue to mention until he gets signed by a team. Unless Morris simply does not want to return to the Lakers, there is no reason for Rob Pelinka to not be in the market for the Morris twin.

Morris was brought in as a buyout target shortly before the 2019-20 season was suspended and he more than made his impact on the Lakers in the playoffs. Not only did he shoot 42% from three on 69 attempts throughout the playoffs but he added a much-needed dynamic to the Lakers’ rotation.

Morris was someone who could back up Anthony Davis, play alongside Anthony Davis and could even play small-ball five for the Lakers as well without sacrificing much rebounding or shot-blocking ability.

Morris could guard players in the frontcourt and could guard wings as well. While he is by no means an elite defensive player, his positive impact on the defensive end mixed with his clutch shot making made him a very valuable rotation player.

The Lakers simply did not have that kind of player on the roster last season.