With NBA free agency in less than two weeks, numerous free agents have already been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers. While the names include players like LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love and Goran Dragic, reports currently have them either re-signing with their current teams or joining a championship contender.
— Have you seen the ‘Lakers Nation’ phone case? —
One player whose stock rose dramatically this past season was Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks. After establishing himself as a prototypical ‘three-and-D’ wing, Middleton heads into the off-season as a restricted free agent. However, according to Gery Woelfel of Racine Journalist Times, Middleton will reach a quick agreement to remain with the Bucks:
Free agency begins July 1 and, according to a person close to the scene, Khris Middleton won’t be a free agent for long and will reach a quick agreement to remain with the Bucks.
With Middleton being a restricted free agent, it would have been difficult for the Lakers to pursue him as the Bucks could simply match any offers. Since the departures of Trevor Ariza and Metta World Peace, the franchise has struggled at the small forward position and will look to find an upgrade through the draft or free agency.
Although Middleton would have been a nice addition, the Lakers reportedly have ‘big-time interest’ in DeMarre Carroll. If Carroll’s price tag is too high, another option could be Tobias Harris, who is considered ‘obtainable’ despite being a restricted free agent as well.
