The LA Lakers may target players like Goran Dragic, Rajon Rondo and Greg Monroe this summer along with potential trades for Kevin Love or Russell Westbrook and this comes as Carlos Boozer, Jeremy Lin and Steve Nash are not likely to return to Los Angeles for Kobe Bryant as the franchise tries to build a winner.
The Lakers are headed towards the draft lottery for the second straight year and they are setting up to battle with the Knicks for the top free agents this summer. The Lakers and Knicks are nearly mirror images of each other and the addition of Phil Jackson to the mix makes the comparisons even more apt. The teams each are clearing out cap space to sign players this offseason, the teams each have star players sitting out with injuries (Carmelo Anthony and Kobe) and both are hoping to get the top overall pick in the lottery.
Goran Dragic was expected to be the main target on the market even before he was traded and he should stay that once the summer starts. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Lakers are planning to offer Dragic a max contract despite the fact that the Miami Heat can offer him more money and years after trading for him at the deadline. The Lakers will offer a four year deal worth around $80 million, according to Marc Stein and they feel they can woo him despite the Heat's offer.
Miami traded away two future first round picks for Dragic and that is why many think he will end up staying in Miami. The Suns had a list from Dragic with teams he wanted to be traded to and it included Miami, the Lakers and the Knicks. All three teams are expected to be in the bidding for Dragic, who reportedly will have an "open" free agency even after his trade to South Beach. The Lakers originally wanted Kevin Love as a free agent, but he may not opt out of his deal with the Cavaliers after being traded.
Rajon Rondo becomes target number two or 1A depending on who you ask if Dragic stays in Miami. Rondo is going to be a target for the Knicks and Lakers and after the way his initial run in Dallas has gone, there is a good chance he leaves. Everyone expects Rondo to hit the market, as he is expected to get a hefty deal and both the Lakers and Knicks have the money to compete with offers from other teams. The Lakers are not expected to have Jeremy Lin back or Steve Nash and that opens up things for Rondo or Dragic.
The Lakers and Knicks both will have a ton of cap space to work with and after breaking things down each of the past two seasons, it will be a question about whether players want to sign. Jackson dismissed the idea that it will affect the Knicks, but they have no one left but Anthony from their 54 win season a couple years ago and that means it will be a clean slate for most players in New York. But with how bad the Knicks have gotten, there is a chance players will not sign there and that could be huge for the Lakers.
