The LA Lakers are focused on the future with Kobe Bryant sidelined for the season and this summer the team plans on targeting big names in free agency, as players like Goran Dragic, Kevin Love, Rajon Rondo, LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol, Greg Monroe and Reggie Jackson could be potential targets to come to Los Angeles and this comes as the team hopes to get a top draft pick like Jahlil Okafor.
The Lakers have been one of the worst teams in the league this season and while they are not as bad as the Knicks, they are heading towards the draft lottery. Bryant is out for the season with another injury, but he has spoken at length about his desire to return and the team wants to have him back. This is another losing season for the Lakers and the team wants to turn things around quickly in the hopes of getting one last run with Bryant before he retires. This summer the team has a ton of cap space to sign players and execs around the league expect them to use it.
The Lakers were heavily interested in Goran Dragic at the trade deadline, but Miami stepped up and parted with two first round picks to acquire him. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the move will not deter the Lakers from going after Dragic, as he is still set to hit the free agent market this summer. The Heat can give more money than the Lakers, but Los Angeles is prepared to offer Dragic a four year deal worth $80 million. Dragic reportedly would be open to signing with the Lakers and Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News reports that sources say Dragic sees the team as a "perfect fit" for his skills.
Dragic soured on the Suns this season due to the fact that he was unable to run the offense like he wanted and also because the three-guard system took him off the ball more than last year. Dragic is now with Miami and they will be a strong suitors to sign him as well, as they can offer and extra year and a $100 million deal. The Rockets are also reportedly interested in Dragic, while the Knicks are also expected to make a run at the point guard. Russell Westbrook could also be a target for the team down the line if they explore a blockbuster trade.
Rondo could end up being the backup option for the Lakers if Dragic stays in Miami or signs elsewhere, as he will also be hitting the market this summer. The Mavericks are expected to try and keep Rondo after trading for him this season, but the Lakers will be able to compete and the Knicks are also going to chase Rondo. Rondo was previously the number one target for the Lakers and they would be thrilled if they ended up signing him as a free agent.
A couple years ago the plan was to sign Kevin Love to a mega extension when he opted out in 2015 from the Timberwolves, but the Cavaliers trade threw all of that into uncertainty. Love has a number of options and some have speculated that he still could opt out this summer. If he does wait until 2016, Love will hit the market with Kevin Durant at the same time and still will be able to cash in with a massive deal.
