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NBA • 10 months ago

5 Affordable Free Agents The Los Angeles Lakers Should Target This Offseason

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Gary Dineen / Contributor

5 Affordable Free Agents The Los Angeles Lakers Should Target

Jordan Clarkson Lakers — The Los Angeles Lakers have some cap space this offseason, and they need to target some defensive players. With Kobe Bryant, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle as their core alongside their No. 2 pick, the Lakers must take a look at some quality role players. The Lakers can use a consistent three-point shooter as well. Below are some options for that the team will certainly be able to afford.

The Los Angeles Lakers have some cap space this offseason, and they need to target some defensive players. With Kobe Bryant, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle as their core alongside their No. 2 pick, the Lakers must take a look at some quality role players. The Lakers can use a consistent three-point shooter as well. Below are some options for that the team will certainly be able to afford.

5. Cory Joseph

5. Cory Joseph

When Tony Parker missed 14 games, mostly with a hamstring injury, Cory Joseph emerged. After averaging 5.0 PPG in 2013-14, Joseph was given the keys to the car. In 14 starts this season, he averaged 13.2 points and 4.5 rebounds. While the numbers aren't incredible, Joseph shot 56 percent from the field and only committed 1.6 turnovers. If the Lakers sign the 23-year-old, they will get a young guard with efficiency and the ability to defend.

4. Jae Crowder

4. Jae Crowder

Jae Crowder showed his true value in the postseason. Crowder is a terrific athlete who can defend at least three positions on the floor. He is incredibly strong and moves well laterally. In the postseason he defended the best player in the world (LeBron James) well in stretches. Crowder plays with a ton of energy and will certainly be a nice replacement for Wesley Johnson.

3. Danny Green

3. Danny Green

Danny Green had the best season of his career last year. Green broke the record for most threes made in a season in Spurs history (191). He averaged a career-best 11.7 points and 4.2 rebounds. Green can defend both wing spots with ease, and he is one of the best shooters in the league. If the Lakers sign Green, they will get two things they are missing: a consistent shooter and defense.

2. Patrick Beverley

2. Patrick Beverley

Patrick Beverley has the reputation of being one of the peskiest defenders in the league. He isn't your typical point guard despite being only 6-foot-1, but his defense makes up for it. Beverley lacks the handle and passing ability of most point guards, but he is a good fit for the Lakers, as he will bring defense off the bench. He is also a good open shooter, as he made 36 percent threes.

1. Khris Middleton

1. Khris Middleton

Khris Middleton will be without question the most high-priced player on this list for the right reason. Middleton is one of the best two-way wing players in the league and he is versatile. On the season, Middleton averaged 13.4 points and 1.5 steals. He is a terrific shooter as well (41 percent from three). Middleton stepped his game up in the postseason, as he scored over at least 18 points in four of six games.

George Middleton is a Los Angeles Lakers beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @george51391, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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George Middleton is a writer for RantSports.

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