The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to fill their roster on the buyout market. Many sports fans wonder who they will bring onto the team. At the All-Star break, the Lakers hold the best record in the Western Conference with 41 wins and 12 losses. However, there are significant holes in their roster. As one of the top three teams in the league, they are in a good position, but they are not the favorites to win the title. Filling the missing holes on their roster could raise their prospects.
Top-Buyout Targets
Andre Iguodala is rumored to be renegotiating his contract to move onto the buyout market very soon. Iguodala would fit well with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has championship experience and is well-known as a long defender. This is something the Lakers sorely need. The Memphis Grizzlies have kept him on their roster throughout the season, having acquired him from the Golden State Warriors during the off-season. However, the Grizzlies are thinking of offloading him instead of spending money on a player they do not need. Although Iguodala likely will not be a big scorer, he would complement LeBron’s strengths. Iguodala is an experienced player that could heighten the Lakers’ rosters.
Maurice Harkless would be a welcome addition, giving the Lakers needed size on their wing. Harkless currently plays for the New York Knicks, but it is rumored that his agent may negotiate a buyout. Rumors abound about Los Angeles’ interest in acquiring him. Though he has the ability to score from the corners, Harkless is only a 32.5% shooter. However, Harkless is a great guard. He would be a strong backup for James. If the Lakers acquired Harkless, he would feature heavily in their rotation.
Matthew Dellavedova could serve as a prime orchestrator for the Laker’s offense. Dellavedova won his first championship in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. A fan favorite, he became known for gritty playing. He makes under $10 million in his current contract with Cleveland. His buyout is an affordable prospect for the Cavaliers, which would give him a chance to compete for a championship with the Lakers. A scrappy player who pushes in the final minutes could be just what the Lakers need.
Non-Buyout Player at Large
More than anything the Lakers need to improve their defense. With Carmelo Anthony, they would solidify the weakest part of their roster. A prospective Hall of Famer, Anthony would be enticed by a chance at the championships with the Lakers. He is not a great two-way player, but he could still lend a much-needed strength to their defense. This could be a hit or miss for the Lakers. LeBron James recently spoke about his desire to play with Anthony and believes Anthony would be a good addition to the team. Although James has a desire to play with him, the pair would have hit blackjack to make it work. However, the Lakers may be running out of options to improve their roster in the fast-drying up buyout market.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to make a move to fill their roster. With potential players either signing with other teams or ending contracts, the Lakers need to fill weak spots on their team. Los Angeles may hold the best record in the Western Conference, but if their gaps go unfilled they are projected not to make the championships. Experts believe the Lakers need to fill in their roster by focusing on long-term strategies. Consider the athletes above as bulwarks for the gaps in the Lakers’ game.
Top of the Wish List Next Season
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the type of All-Star that the Lakers have always been looking for. While he currently plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, he is only under contract until 2020-21. He is rumored to be one of the Laker’s top priorities, though signing him would require James to take a pay cut. James taking a pay cut makes signing Antetokounmpo less likely. However, James is known for building a legacy, which would be sure to happen if they acquired Antetokounmpo. Having Antetokounmpo on the roster would skyrocket the Laker’s prospects.
