Ranking the 5 Big Name Free Agents the Lakers Should Target Next Summer
By Bobby Burack
It may not have seemed like much, but it was so much. The result of the Lakers working out a deal with Luol Deng to give-back $7.5 million in a contract buyout is that they will now have $38 million in salary cap space for next summer’s free agency class. That puts them in position to add another marquee free agent alongside LeBron James.
And, oh, what a time, there will be five stars available. Here is a ranking of the five superstars scheduled to be free agents in 2019:
5. Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker comes in at five over Kyrie Irving due to Irving’s relationship, or lack thereof, with LeBron James. If Walker became a Laker, it would likely be a sign that the Lakers are moving on from Lonzo Ball. As good as he would be with LeBron, Brandon Ingram, and Kyle Kuzma, Walker’s addition would be disappointing for the Lakers compared to the alternatives. Yet, it would bolster them up several notches as Walker and Josh Hart in the backcourt would soon emerge as one of the most lethal in the NBA.
4. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler is an ideal fit next to LeBron. Butler, LeBron, and Ingram would be nothing short of sensational and nightmarish for the opposition. It would allow Josh Hart to settle in as one of the better sixth men in the NBA. Butler is a pitbull who is not afraid of the moment and can match up defensively with the Warriors. Wade was always hurt, Irving was hurt and unhappy, Butler’s style could make him the Robin LeBron has always been looking forward.
3. Kawhi Leonard
If Kawhi Leonard joined the Lakers this year, they would be title contenders. In another year, the young Lakers will be more polished and Leonard will be back to being the best two-way player in the NBA. Leonard instantly takes the pressure off LeBron and would allow him for the first time in his career to take a backseat in the regular season. This is all about beating the Warriors, right? Defensively, Leonard is the one superstar that can give Durant fits. Last time we saw Leonard healthy, he had the Spurs up 25 points over a Warriors team that went 16-1 in the postseason. Leonard can shoot, defend, and will soon be one of the two best players in the NBA.
2. Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson edges out Leonard not due to what it would do to the Lakers, but what it would do to the Warriors. Losing Thompson would diminish the team everyone is chasing. Thompson is one of the three best shooters of all-time and is a massive key to the Warriors success both on offense and on defense. No style excels alongside LeBron more than spot up shooters. Translation: LeBron and Thompson would be the best duo in the NBA. Swapping Thompson in for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope gives the Lakers a starting lineup capable of handing LeBron his fourth ring within the first two years together. Thompson should strongly consider becoming a number two option once again.
Also, Thompson does not have an ego — that is important.
1. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant and LeBron will not fit together like LeBron and Thompson would, but it does not matter. Together, Durant and LeBron would not just be the best duo in the NBA, they would be the greatest duo of all-time. Durant has closed the gap on LeBron the past two seasons and is not only the most unstoppable scorer of the past 15 years, he now has a serious defensive game. LeBron just took a basket of mediocre to the Finals last season. A Lakers lineup with LeBron, Durant, Ingram, Ball, and a center would run every team out of the gym and would raise banner(s).
Durant should not want to join the Lakers, but the Lakers should be begging.