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5 free agents the Lakers definitely must sign after 2023 NBA Draft

By Jason Reed

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 21: Damion Lee #10 of the Phoenix Suns during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Footprint Center on January 21, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Pacers 112-107. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 21: Damion Lee #10 of the Phoenix Suns during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Footprint Center on January 21, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Pacers 112-107. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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Derrick Rose Lakers
(Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) – Derrick Rose Lakers /

Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose has long been rumored to be a potential target for the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether it be in free agency or as a trade candidate, there have been multiple instances in which Rose looked to be heading to Los Angeles.

It never came to be but it could finally happen this summer after the Knicks declined Rose’s player option for the 2023-24 season. It is hard to blame the Knicks as Rose was going to make over $15 million next season.

Rose is a bit of a switch-up from the others on this list as he is not a three-point specialist but it still makes sense to bring him in, even after the Lakers drafted a combo guard in the draft. JHS will get some minutes in his rookie season but the Lakers need more depth than just him at point guard.

Derrick Rose is a plan B Lakers free-agent target after Chris Paul trade

Chris Paul looked to be a legitimate target for the Lakers and now that he is going to be playing for the Warriors the Lakers can pivot into someone else. That someone could be Rose, who would provide the regular-season playmaking and facilitating that the team was looking to get out of Paul.

Rose would not offer as much as Paul but he would still take some of the playmaking duties off of LeBron James in the regular season. That itself is incredibly valuable for the bigger picture.

And hey, you never know what kind of impact Rose could have in a playoff series. He excelled in the 2021 playoffs for the Knicks and he could do what Rajon Rondo did during the 2020 NBA Playoffs for the Lakers.

dark. Next. 22 players the Lakers gave up on too early

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