The Los Angeles Lakers have made a blockbuster trade this summer and improved their roster by acquiring Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards. They have also made a lot of additions in free agency, bringing in shooters such as Carmelo Anthony and Kendrick Nunn.
It is clear that free agency has been fairly successful so far for the Lakers and it is possible that they will sign more players. They still have roster spots open for potential free agents that want to join them on their championship hunt. Here are some potential good options.
3. Frank Ntilikina
With Alex Caruso going to the Chicago Bulls, the Los Angeles Lakers have lost one of their best perimeter defenders. Frank Ntilikina could fill that void, as he is a player that can play spot minutes and disrupt opposing scorers with his great man defense. While he won’t necessarily be looking to score, the Los Angeles Lakers have plenty of players that can help in that department.
Frank Ntilikina is currently a restricted free agent who last played for the New York Knicks. Based on the Knicks’ moves to acquire players at either guard position like Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier, it is likely that they won’t match a deal for the defensively stout guard. That would mean that the Lakers could potentially acquire him without any interference from the Knicks.
2. Paul Millsap
Paul Millsap isn’t exactly an All-Star anymore, but he can still give a lot to a contending roster. Millsap’s defense isn’t what it used to be in his prime, but he still provides size and leadership on that end of the floor and can guard either forward position comfortably. Millsap is also a player that has a lot of playoff experience, and that will be useful to a contender like the Lakers.
On the Los Angeles Lakers, Millsap would fill a two-way role likely coming off the bench, and playing minutes at either forward position. If the Los Angeles Lakers are able to get a solid two-way contirbutor like him to fill the bench forward role, then they should definitely take the opportunity to do so.
1. JJ Redick
JJ Redick has a history as an elite shooter, and he shoots 41.5% from beyond the arc for his career. It is easy to see how he would fit into the Los Angeles Lakers’ plans, based on them stockpiling shooters on their roster. Even at this stage of his career, JJ Redick would feast off of the playmaking of Russell Westbrook and LeBron James, and his threat as a shooter would give them space to operate as well.
There is no question that JJ Redick is a player that can knock down shots when needed, and with the Los Angeles Lakers, he would be given a chance to compete for a championship. There’s no doubt that signing Redick would give them another veteran that could fit into a smaller role, and signing a player of his caliber for depth is absolutely worth it.
