The 2014-15 NBA regular season is only days away from beginning and even though everyone is squarely focused on this year, the summer of 2015 looms as a major possible turning point for the Los Angeles Lakers.
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A number of talented players will be available next summer and according to ESPN’s Chris Broussard, Los Angeles could be a prime landing spot for Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris thanks to his Nike deal:
Keep eye on Tobias Harris. Won't sign ext w/Orlando b4 10/31. Restricted FA next summer. Nike deal gives him upgrade if he in LA, NY or CHI
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) October 24, 2014
Harris being a restricted free agent makes it tougher to get him out of Orlando, but he may try to force his way out if it also leads to a better deal with Nike. The exposure he would receive in the bigger markets is what the people at Nike would want.
For the Lakers, Harris would fit in perfectly. He is young, talented, very versatile and would fill a position of need. He averaged 14 points and seven rebounds last year in 61 games. Wesley Johnson is the only true small forward on the roster right now, and there have been persistent questions as to whether he is the long-term answer.
The Lakers have a three-year plan to get the team back to contention and these upcoming free agency periods will play a major role in that turnaround. 2015 features players like Rajon Rondo, DeAndre Jordan, and Marc Gasol, but Harris could prove to be an intriguing option.
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