Sixteen-time NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of free agency. They only have four NBA players on their current roster, including incoming rookie Talen Horton-Tucker, swingman Kyle Kuzma and future Hall of Famers LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They recently extended qualifying offers to guard Alex Caruso and forward Johnathan Williams. Potentially, LA needs to add another nine more to round up their fifteen-man team.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka created enough cap space to acquire a third marquee superstar, with Kawhi Leonard, D’Angelo Russell and Kyrie Irving all considering joining LeBron and AD to create a new super team.
They still need to fill up the roster to ensure they add the right pieces to compliment their stars and contend for a championship. By the time they sign up a third star, the Lakers will only have limited money to offer veterans or unsigned free agents.
They need to address perimeter shooting and a porous defence. Some names being thrown around include Carmelo Anthony, Kyle Korver, JR Smith, Trevor Ariza and Rajon Rondo.
Australia has an abundance of stars and role players in the NBL or overseas that could compliment the revamped Lakers team.
Below are some of the names that Lakers management could contact and initiate a camp invitation or enquire about their availability.
- ANDREW BOGUT. The veteran big man provided good minutes for the Golden State Warriors during the playoffs. The 7-footer had a career resurgence when he suited up for the Sydney Kings. He can be an able back up to Davis or another starting centre. He is signed to the Kings for the upcoming season.
- MATTHEW DELLADOVA. He has played with LeBron before and knows the kind of defensive presence and toughness he brings to the table. Delladova can play both guard positions. He is signed to the Cleveland Cavaliers but could be waived or be a buyout candidate. He will become an unrestricted NBA free agent in 2020.
- MITCH CREEK. The underrated forward can provide hustle plays, has a high motor, can do the dirty work and be a good bench addition. He last played for the Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves last season.
- ARON BAYNES. Boston’s starting centre was recently traded to the Phoenix Suns but could be waived or become a buyout candidate. He’s a solid, physical player who has added three point shooting to his game. He will become an unrestricted NBA free agent in 2020.
- CHRIS GOULDING. Combo guard can come off the bench and provide offensive firepower. He shot well from three-point range. He could play a similar role as JJ Reddick. He is currently signed to Melbourne United.