The Los Angeles Lakers are putting all their efforts into saving cap space for next summer when they can potentially sign both Paul George and LeBron James. Although the Lakers brass is concentrating on saving money right now, it doesn’t mean that won’t be signing anyone this summer with talk of Kyle Korver being a potential target.
According to Sam Amico of Amico Hoops, the Lakers are among the teams that have shown interest in signing the veteran sharpshooter:
League sources told Amico Hoops the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers also have an interest in Korver. Cleveland.com added the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans to that list.
With the Lakers focusing on next year’s free-agent class, Korver would ideally have to accept a two-year deal with a team option for the second year. This kind of contract will likely be the only type of deals the team will be willing to offer this summer.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are the clear favorite to re-sign Korver at this point and for good reason considering they’re still in title contention and intend to bring him back, via Amico:
The Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to make an offer to re-sign shooting guard Kyle Korver when NBA free agency begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, according to a report from cleveland.com.
At 36, Korver’s window of opportunity to win a championship is closing, meaning he’d probably be more likely to sign with a contender rather than a rebuilding team like the Lakers. Even though the Cavs could have the edge to sign Korver, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he at least considers Los Angeles and what Magic Johnson is trying to do in the immediate future.
Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka will be targeting shooters like Korver in free agency this summer. The team has no intention to go after big-name players nor make significant additions outside of their incoming rookies.