10 Players the Los Angeles Lakers should be targeting this offseason

4. Gary Payton II

Stealing a key bench player for the Warriors after their championship run would be a savvy move for the Lakers one in this case that would give them a great defender in Payton. Payton’s ability as a defender has been well covered what hasn’t is his improving shot and ability to get to the basket.

There is no denying Payton’s primary value is on the defensive end, however, he can be a surprise contributor as a scorer. Considering who the Lakers were counting on off the bench to score last season Payton would certainly be an upgrade.

Of all the options Payton is the least likely to sign with the Lakers considering there is little the team can offer him. The Warriors are the reigning champs who have a clear role for Payton and just earned him a ring. Prying him away from Golden State is very unlikely but the Lakers should at least attempt to recruit the young small forward considering how well he would fit with the Lakers.

Payton averaged 7.1 points for the Warriors off the bench with %61 percent shooting and lockdown defense. A combination the Lakers were clearly without on their bench last season.