The LA Lakers could potentially look at free agent options like Brendan Haywood, Norris Cole, JaVale McGee, Toney Douglas, Baron Davis, Greg Stiemsma, Elton Brand, Carlos Boozer, Landry Fields or Jeff Withey as roster options for depth behind players D'Angelo Russell, Roy Hibbert, Julius Randle, Brandon Bass, Nick Young and Lou Williams.
The Lakers roster situation is tight and with Jordan Clarkson guaranteed to stay after a strong season, the team could make one last significant move before camp. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers are interested in adding a guard to add depth for Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell and/or another big man to play behind Roy Hibbert and share minutes with Robert Sacre. The Lakers have made some significant upgrades, but they could use some more help heading into the season.
--UPDATE: Toney Douglas is signing with the Pacers
Hibbert is expected to bounce back, but he had a tough year in Indiana and has not been as effective as he once was, while Sacre is a solid backup and not much else. The team was reportedly interested in trading for Ty Lawson and that shows a desire to add some experience at point guard. The Lakers are happy with how Clarkson has turned out after having a strong rookie season and there is potential in Russell, but both players are young and have little experience overall. The team shopped Nick Young in a trade this offseason, but the Orange County Register reports the Lakers will hang on to Young for now.
David Murphy at Bleacher Report writes that "one final" contract heading into training camp could be an option for the Lakers to help "balance the roster." The team is pretty set at forward with players like Ryan Kelly, Julius Randle, Brandon Bass and Larry Nance on the roster, but the Lakers may limit Randle's minutes to start the season. Robert Upshaw is a potential option for the Lakers, but GM Mitch Kupchak said that it's unlikely the young center contributes to the team this season. The Lakers can add one more contract player and the team also can bring players into training camp.
McGee could be a potential option for depth, but he has injury issues and the Lakers may not want to rely on that. Marc stein reported that the Dallas Mavericks had interest in McGee this offseason, but the team has already added Samuel Dalembert and traded for Zaza Pachulia and may not want to add another big man. Brendan Haywood is on the market and he could be a low risk option after being released by the Blazers. The Cavs traded Haywood and he was not used much last season in Cleveland.
There is not much out there on the point guard market, but Toney Douglas was waived, Norris Cole is available, while Baron Davis (yes, that one) is looking to make a comeback and could be a training camp invite option. According to Sam Amico at Fox Sports, the Knicks, Sixers and Lakers have had some interest in Cole this offseason, but the Pelicans want to bring him back. Cole is a restricted free agent and that allows the Pelicans to match deals. The Lakers should be making at least one other move and how significant that one will be remains to be seen heading into the middle of August.
Check here for more on the LA Lakers offseason moves and roster options.
