Los Angeles Lakers Must Sign Two Of These Five Free Agents In 2016

By Timothy Downs

Now that Kobe Bryant is retired and his bloated contract is no longer on the books, the Los Angeles Lakers are ready to begin a new era with a plethora of money to spend. The Lakers probably won’t be able to lure Kevin Durant to Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean they can’t fortify their roster in free agency this summer. To do so, the Lakers should focus on landing two of the following five players.

Los Angeles Lakers Must Sign Two Of These Five Free Agents In 2016
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5. SG - DeMar DeRozan

SG - DeMar DeRozan Credit: Getty Images
DeMar DeRozan is the second-most dominant scorer available in free agency, and the Compton native has expressed a desire to play in his home city. This one is a no-brainer.

5. SG - DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan is the second-most dominant scorer available in free agency, and the Compton native has expressed a desire to play in his home city. This one is a no-brainer.

4. C - Hassan Whiteside

C - Hassan Whiteside Credit: Getty Images
I totally understand that signing a guy like Hassan Whiteside -- who is said to have an attitude problem -- would be a risky move for a young team. With that said, the Lakers desperately need a rim protector, and Whiteside is the best one available.

4. C - Hassan Whiteside

I totally understand that signing a guy like Hassan Whiteside -- who is said to have an attitude problem -- would be a risky move for a young team. With that said, the Lakers desperately need a rim protector, and Whiteside is the best one available.

3. SF - Nicolas Batum

SF - Nicolas Batum Credit: Getty Images
Nicolas Batum was phenomenal with the Hornets this season, averaging 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Versatile wings like Batum don't grow on trees, and his veteran leadership makes him particularly valuable to a young team.

3. SF - Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum was phenomenal with the Hornets this season, averaging 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Versatile wings like Batum don't grow on trees, and his veteran leadership makes him particularly valuable to a young team.

2. SF - Chandler Parsons

SF - Chandler Parsons Credit: Getty Images
Despite having a solid player option with the Mavericks next season, Chandler Parsons is expected to decline and test the waters in free agency. Parsons was injured a ton this season, but he can still score with the best wings in the league.

2. SF - Chandler Parsons

Despite having a solid player option with the Mavericks next season, Chandler Parsons is expected to decline and test the waters in free agency. Parsons was injured a ton this season, but he can still score with the best wings in the league.

1. C - Joakim Noah

C - Joakim Noah Credit: Getty Images
Signing an offensive-minded center like Al Horford simply doesn't make sense for the Lakers. If they're unable to ink the aforementioned Hassan Whiteside, they should focus on landing Joakim Noah, assuming team doctors feel he's healthy enough.

1. C - Joakim Noah

Signing an offensive-minded center like Al Horford simply doesn't make sense for the Lakers. If they're unable to ink the aforementioned Hassan Whiteside, they should focus on landing Joakim Noah, assuming team doctors feel he's healthy enough.

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