With the Los Angeles Lakers not getting the most favorable pick in the NBA draft lottery at number seven, the attention will likely turn to free agency for the storied franchise. The Lakers will have a considerable amount of cap space at their disposal this summer, but may elect to wait until next year to make a major splash in free agency with big names like Rajon Rondo, Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge likely to hit the open market.
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One player the Lakers could may consider going after this year is point guard Kyle Lowry. The 28-year-old came into his own this season with the Toronto Raptors and has drastically increased his value on the open market as a result.
There’s no doubt the Raptors will do everything within their power to try and retain the veteran guard, but Lowry will have no shortage of suitors in free agency. The Lakers may attempt to sign the Philadelphia native if Steve Nash decides to call it a career, according to Peter Vecsey:
I am told it'll take 10-12M per 4 TR 2 retain Lowry. Lakers should make strong play 4 him. Nash must 1st retire & open up cap xtra cap space
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) May 21, 2014
At this point in time, it seems as though Nash will play out the rest of his deal with the Lakers as promised. The 40-year-old floor general has battled numerous injuries over the course of the last two years with the Lakers, but has been reluctant to walk away due to love of playing the game and not wanting to leave $9.7 million on the table.
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Although Nash continues to avoid talk of retirement heading into his final season, the veteran guard may be forced to retire if unable to get his body right during the off-season. The two-time NBA MVP will prepare his final season in Los Angeles, but may still have to consider retirement if things don’t progress well this summer.
If Nash does call it a career, Lowry could be in play for the Lakers, but by the time Nash makes his decision, it may already be to go after Lowry who will be a hot commodity in free agency.
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NBA DRAFT LOTTERY: Lakers Get No. 7 Pick