With only two games left in the 2013-14 NBA season for the Los Angeles Lakers, talk of moves being made in free agency are starting to circulate. Although the team is intent on trying to re-sign Pau Gasol, it appears the storied franchise could be targeting free-agent-to-be Luol Deng.
— Lakers Nation Store Is Back! Check Out The Latest Gear! —
Deng will one of the few big names on the open market this season and has continuously been linked to the Lakers. Apparently, the Lakers won’t be the only team in the Pacific Division interested in his services with the division rival Phoenix Suns also expressing interest in the veteran forward according to Sam Amico of Fox Sports:
Deng, 28, will be an unrestricted free agent in July, meaning he is free to sign with any team without the Cavs possessing the option to match. The Cavs are expected to make an offer, but after years of success, Deng may prefer to move on. The Lakers and Suns are among those interested, league sources say.
Along with Deng and Gasol, Kyle Lowry may also receive considerable interest from teams around the league. Lowry has had a breakout year with the Toronto Raptors helping the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
Another big-name player that could also make free agency interesting this summer is Carmelo Anthony. The superstar forward may opt-out his deal with the New York Knicks in an attempt to sign a lucrative long-term deal elsewhere, but it remains uncertain whether he’ll chose to do so considering the recent hiring of Phil Jackson.
Every single big-name player set to become a free agent this summer has been linked to the Lakers over the past few months. Deng appears the most likely to sign with the team, but the Lakers will show interest in Gasol, Lowry and Anthony.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Pau Gasol Receives Standing Ovation In Final Lakers Home Game