The 2019 NBA free agent class is expected to be one of the most loaded classes, if not the most, ever. It will be the chance for the Lakers to add-on to what they have been building the last year or so. One of the reasons they were able to acquire the best player in the world was because he bought into Magic Johnson’s plan, where the 2019 free agent class was crucial.
And Johnson himself has said that it was a two summer process and that 2019 was incredibly vital. And even though the 2018-19 season has not started, there is still speculation and talk regarding the potential free agents. Who is going where? Is ‘so-and-so’ going to remain with his team? Who will the Lakers find to pair with LeBron James?
Below is a list ranking the top 5 free agents the Lakers should target, assuming they don’t acquire any of them. It’s a combination of fit, age, and realistic chances, so don’t expect to see Kevin Durant at the top of the list.
5. Kemba Walker
The 28-year-old point guard has been the subject of trade rumors since last season. He is the Hornets most attractive trade asset, and the only way they would be able to move off under some of the albatross of contracts they have on the books. He was first viewed as a potential addition to the Cleveland Cavaliers to help Lebron and the team’s title chances. And the Knicks are now considered as another likely destination because that is where he’s from. Thus the strong rumors.
But he put some fire on it, per Dom Amore of the Hartford Courant:
“I’ve been hearing it for years. Every time I come home, ‘When are you going to come home and play for the Knicks?’ I know it’s a special place, I was a Knicks fan growing up, always rooted for the home team. But I just can’t see myself in a Knicks jersey, only because I’ve only been in one jersey.”
He continued:
“I just want to do something special in Charlotte. I’ve been there eight years now, and we haven’t really been consistent as far as winning. I just want to try to establish that culture at some point. That’s what I want to do, I just want to make it a winning organization.”
If the Lakers decide to move on from Lonzo Ball after next season, Walker would be an ideal player to bring in. He will be expensive, but probably not as much as any of the other elite free agents. He is an established 20-point-per-game-plus score which has shot 38.6% from deep over the last three seasons
4. Kevin Durant
I don’t think it’s necessary to go over all the accolades and numbers that Durant has put up. The reason he is so low is that it’s hard to envision him leaving such a good situation with Golden State. However, he is always signing one-year deals with a player option to keep his options open, so it’s plausible to envision him leaving.
But if he does leave, I doubt he’d want to go back into LeBron James’ shadow, because he is trying to overtake the 33-year-old. But never say never. The Lakers should not prioritize him, but should at least sit down with him. Getting him would give the Lakers the two best players in the NBA.
3. Jimmy Butler
Butler can go under-the-radar, but that’s because he is more of a throwback player that is tough, loves playing defense, and has that “dog” in him. He isn’t like the modern-day star. But he is still a top ten or a top twelve player in the league today.
He is good for 20+ points, 5+ assists, and 5+ rebounds each night with elite defense. And his recent improvement in shooting the three-ball has established him into one of the three best two-way players in the game, and an elite three-and-D player.
The Lakers are considered the favorites to land him after the New York Knicks. He doesn’t need a big market or spotlight, but when given the opportunity, your mind may change.
2. Klay Thompson
This has been a thing for years. Klay’s dad Mychal Thompson is a former Laker and their current radio color commentator and has said that he would love for his son to don the purple and gold. But Klay has such a good thing going for him that it would be tough to leave.
However, he is in line to win a 4th NBA title, that he may want a new challenge, and where better than at home where your dad played? Plus, the Warriors are going to have to pay Draymond and Durant as well, and there isn’t enough money for everyone unless they take pay cuts, which seem highly unlikely.
He would be a perfect fit for the team because of his three-and-D style of play. He doesn’t need the ball at all. In fact, he’s better off it. He is one of the greatest shooter ever, so would pair perfectly with LeBron.
1. Kawhi Leonard
We all know the story here. Kawhi demanded a trade this summer out of San Antonio, with Los Angeles being his preferred destination. This means that the Clippers are in play, but when the two are going up against each other in free agency, the Lakers will always have the advantage over LA’s junior varsity team.
And the Lakers will field a better team and allow for Kawhi to get paid and contend for a title. And the Lakers should prioritize the small forward. He is the best two-way player in the game, the best perimeter defender, and is blossoming into an elite offensive player. And he’s only 27 years of age.
Some view Leonard as the second best player in the game behind LeBron. Even if he isn’t he is a bonafide superstar and a top five player, at worst.
