Top 3 realistic Lakers free agency targets that are still available, slim pickings
The Los Angeles Lakers have made some solid moves in free agency. Notably, they signed DeAndre Ayton to a low-risk, high-reward type deal that brought in a solid starting center. However, the Lakers are still looking for ways to round out their roster to contend for a championship next season. Here are the top three realistic Lakers free agency targets that remain on the market.Â
3. Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons didn’t live up to the expectations. However, he has still proven himself to be a somewhat valuable NBA player. Simmons can still play elite defense, rebound the ball, and playmake. He was a solid bench player for the Los Angeles Clippers in the latter half of last season. The Lakers could use his defensive presence.Â
2. Chris Paul
This will be Chris Paul’s final NBA season. What better place to end his career than teaming up with LeBron James and Luka Doncic in pursuit of his first NBA championship? Paul is 40 years old, but played all 82 games last season, averaging 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and shooting over 37% from three.Â
The Lakers could use Paul as the quarterback of their second unit. Signing another 40-year-old to the roster might seem crazy, but you can’t argue with production. Having another ball-handler and creator like Paul on the second unit would allow LeBron and Luka to sit without the team imploding.Â
1. Gary Payton II
The Lakers have the potential to struggle on the defensive end. With your three best players being Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves, you are going to run into defensive problems. That’s why getting a lockdown defender like Gary Payton II would be a perfect Lakers free agency signing.Â
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Payton has been a beloved bench player for the Golden State Warriors for the last few years, playing a key role in their 2022 NBA championship. He could slide into a similar role for the Lakers. Payton also has the ability to thrive offensively in Los Angeles. His basketball IQ alone would get him loads of easy buckets from Luka and LeBron.Â
More NBA:Â Warriors receive encouraging update on chances of signing 5x All-Star in free agency
