Official 2016 Free Agency Thread

We can (and will) sign players from multiple positions. We don't have to choose between a guard, wing or center. We can sign talented guys at all the different spots.

 

Completely agree.

We are terrible. No position should be viewed as covered.

 

I respect your position of getting "the best available talent" when it comes to drafting. I just think lottery teams need to take a completely different approach when it comes to free agency and fill needs first and balance out the roster. It may seem like a longer process but in reality it's the fastest way back to contention, especially when you have a coach that could run a proper system.

 

Bored and wanted to go through the free agents and really take a look at who I think we should go after. There's 3 plans to go here and none of them involve punting rather being smart with money. 3 plans (All assume no trades)....

1.) 2 max guys + Bargain players + Keeping own
2.) 1 max guy + Non-max guys + Bargain players + Keeping own
3.) Non-max guys + Bargain players + Keeping own

Max Guys

- Kevin Durant – No need for argument. You get him if you can.

- Demar Derozan – Yes he chokes in the playoffs, yes he shoots a lot. If we were already contenders you can pass. Where we are at now, we need players like this to GET to the playoffs. If he chokes, he chokes, but we need to get to that point to get other top players interested in coming here. For that reason, I would give him max. Will be 27 next year. This is a transition move to bring our team up another level. He's a solid regular season guy and that's what we need.

- Lebron – Ain’t going anywhere unless something bad happens in playoffs even then I think he sticks it out one more year at least before he’s chasing, but hey he’s still on this list.

- Hassan Whiteside – You either like him or you don’t, I like him, I’d be willing to pay him and live with whatever happens. It’s a gamble, but that’s the price you pay for big men. He reminds me of Bynum with healthy knees but less refined post game. Bynum was huge for us and I believe Whiteside would be too.

Max guys not worth it

- Mike Conley – Have DAR, would stunt growth, not a position of need for that money. Great player, but can upgrade elsewhere. (Would consider if DAR moved to 2 and JC 6th man)

- Dwayne Wade – Looking for his legacy contract at this point. Not going to consider us anyway

- Batum – He’s getting paid, but I think we would be better off splitting that max into 2 non-max guys that are worth it. Does he move the needle THAT much to give him that much money? I say no. I also think there are cheaper options to play SF in the same role. He's a 50/50 like DD around here, but I think we can get Batum's skills in other cheaper players.

- Al Horford – Horford would be good at 13-15 million per season, but 20+ million? He just doesn’t produce enough to warrant that cash IMO. 15/7 gets you max? I don’t agree. Also there are cheaper options that can get you similar results.

- Dwight Howard – 13-15 million max for him, not 20+ and he’s burned a lot of bridges here

- Ryan Anderson – Would be perfect if we didn’t have a 4 and had a big man, but that’s not the case. Would be a waste of money and resources


Non-Max guys worth it (11-19 million)

- Kent Bazemore – Young guy we should have never let go. He’s on the low end 11-12 million for 3-4 years, but he would mesh nicely with the young guys and someone I was talking about when I said we should split the Batum salary.

- Arron Afflalo – 3 and D, solid veteran presence on the team

- Loul Deng – 3 and D, solid veteran presence on the team. With Deng and Afflalo, I would like to snag both for something like 2/24-25 million Team or Player option on the second season. Would allow us to have cap space next season while being competitive this season. I've really grown on this idea the last couple of days.

- Ian Mahinmi – Mobile athletic 5 that plays D, yes please

- Bismack Biyombo – See Ian Mahinmi

- Joakim Noah – Injury history, but plays 100% rebounds, defense, passes, would be an upgrade. All 3 big men would get the same Deng/Afflalo deal, just need one big though.


Non-Max guys should pass (11-19 million)

- Jeremy Lin – Going to get a pass increase, IMO out of our range for backup PG

- Jeff Green – He never has any real impact where he goes. Overrated and would be mistake to overpay for negligible benefits

- Chandler Parsons – Stay away. Knee is going to act up again.

- Marvin Williams – Would just cluster the 4 spot that we have covered already.

- Pau Gasol – We moved on once, we don’t need a reunion. Still can contribute offensively but his defense is atrocious. He wants a contender anyway

- Zaza Pachulia – Started off the season loving him, as the season went on it faded. Doesn’t fit our team and the direction we are going

- Timofey Mozgov – After that finals run, fell back down to Earth, HARD. Let some team overpay for him, not us

- Rajon Rondo – I am off that train

- Eric Gordon – Always hurt, no real impact on the game


Bargain players ( 10 million or less)

- Mario Chalmers – Perfect backup PG to DAR. Struggled from deep past two seasons, but feisty on D and could regain his shot in Luke’s GSW offense. 2 year/16 million T/P option on the 2nd year

- Courtney Lee – Solid 3 point shooter and defender. Someone we could greatly benefit from having on team. 2 year/18 million T/P option on 2nd year

- Brandon Bass – Great option for small ball center as we saw last year. 2 year/12 million T/P on 2nd year

- Anderson Varejao – Injury history, lost a step, cheap backup C that plays D and can pass, Im in. 1 year/ 6 million rental

- Jordan Hill – Would gladly take back as backup C. One of my favorites. Walton could get the beast in him back that MDA took out of him 2 year/14 million T/P on 2nd year

- Ramon Sessions – I don’t think he comes back here, but we need a backup PG and he’s a good one

- Marcelo Huertas – Cheap cheap 3rd string yes, he was solid here after growing on me. Vet min deal

- Evan Turner – Could be a POR-esque move to have him come off the bench for some production. 3 years/21 million T/P on 3rd year


Bargain players should pass (10 million or less)

- Derrick Williams – Better players on the board, still young, but I like our young guys at the 4 better

- Marreese Speights – Might seem like a good idea to try and bring GSW guy over but he scores well, but his defense is atrocious. Would not want

- Nene – Always injured, not the same player he was in Denver, just doesn’t bring much anymore

- Norris Cole – Not high on him

- Jarrett Jack – Coming back from injury, but he’s a huge chucker and net negative for Nets

- Greivis Vasquez – Not high on him as some are here, better options at the backup PG that we can get IMO

- Ish Smith – If this was fantasy sign me up, but it’s not so no

- OJ Mayo – OJ No

Restricted players do it

- Matthew Dellavedova – He’s a POS. But he plays solid defense and is a great spot up 3 point shooter. He would be a solid backup. Force Cavs to match. 3 years/18 million T/P on 3rd year

- Jordan Clarkson – Have him wait til the end, low cap hold, we’ll take care of him. 4 year/44 million T/P on 4th year

- Allen Crabbe – Quietly had a solid season in Por, would throw money at him. 3 year/15 million T/P on 3rd year

- Harrison Barnes – Perfect fit for our young guys, slight overpay but it’s a perfect match. Max deal

- Tarik Black – I am excited for Luke to get the best out of him, please bring him back. 3 years/15 million T/P on 3rd year

- Boban Marjanovic – I love this guy, sign him up. 3 years/15 million T/P on 3rd year

Restricted players pass

- Evan Fournier – Up and down season, not worth the investment and wait

- Bradley Beal – His leg issues scare me, I think it’s best to pass

- Jared Sullinger – He’s fat, stay away, couldn’t hold onto spot in Boston

- Terrence Jones – Started career strong now he’s not even cracking rotation

- Andre Drummond – Only reason he’s on the list is because Det already said they are paying him, waste of time

- Festus Ezeli – Why overpay here? Knee issues and we have Black who can do comparable things. Not worth it

The more I look at things as a whole it seems (At least to me) there are only 4 max guys that are worth it/obtainable (sans Bron, add in Barnes), but there are a plethora of guys to make a solid team that won't require the max and could potentially be set up in a way that we can be competitive this year and still be financially flexible next season. I've always been on the go after the 2nd tier players train for years now, so I hope the Lakers don't punt. We are in a good position to field a competitive team in a couple different ways. A lot of the guys I'm interested in are either playoff tested/championship tested or young guys that have a bright future.

 

OK I got off my lazy a** after reading from so many on him and did a youtube search for Al Horford. This first clip I've looked at is 3 years old but wow I like this guy a lot. What does he weigh now. Looks in the clip like he's a really good athlete for a big man. Does he still have that? Can handle. Runs the floor. Is he more durable than Noah?

 

I love horford. Not totally durable, but more durable than noah. Unlike most, I like that hes a little older, he's solid and wont take away from the young cores growth.

 

Great breakdown and thoughts .... thanks!

 

My point was simply this; while Jones was a proven talent at SG, West took Kobe irrespective of having a talented piece in place.

That should be our approach to the Free Agency, grab the best FA's available that give you the best chance to field a competitive team next season.

 

I'd be ecstatic if we headed into training camp with that roster.

 

Going to piggyback off your format Doc and weigh in on the guys...

Max Guys

- Kevin Durant

- Demar Derozan – I am not high on him, I don't dislike him or his game...just don't like him for our team. He can't shoot, I don't think he's a #1 option, and he's streaky. BUT I would send Luke and Kobe to his house at 12:01. If Toronto doesn't make the ECF, I think he's a Laker. Out of the top 10 FAs, he's the one that I am the most confident that we can and will sign. It makes sense for him (it's home, Lakers legacy/fan base, endorsement perks, forward thinking/flowing offense) and for the Lakers (the only household name we have a remote chance at, would make TWC happy, and give us a merchandise bump). Young enough to where he's not looking to jump to a contender.

- Lebron – won't leave. Cleveland fans would assassinate him.

- Hassan Whiteside – Where do I sign? He could be a contract year guy, but legit bigs are scarce and he's worth the roll of the dice. Cause if he's not a contract guy, he's an ideal fit next to our players. If you can pry him from Riley, you do it and give him someone like Noah on the bench to keep an eye on him.

Max guys not worth it

- Mike Conley – Does Memphis blow it up? If not, they can't afford to lose him. If they do, he's going to a playoff team. We don't exactly need him either.

- Dwayne Wade – Miami for life.

- Batum – Disagree with him being on the "not worth it" list. To me he's a dream fit into any team who implements a real system (which is sounds like Luke plans on doing). He can do it all, dream teammate, will do whatever the coach asks of him, has zero ego. Unlike DD, he can actually shoot the ball.

- Al Horford – he's not worth the phone call because he's not coming here. At his age, he's going to a team in contention. Unless we trade for Butler before FA, Horford won't look in our direction. I'd like him as the second fish we get this summer. But if he's all you're getting, avoid at all costs. Great leader, locker room guy but not a #1 guy. He's falling in love with the long ball...needs a shock collar to keep him a little closer to the paint. Now if we get Butler, I absolutely make a pitch and I think he'd consider it. Ultimately if TD retires, I think Pop tries to bring him to SA...SCARY!

- Dwight Howard – f*** off

- Ryan Anderson – bad fit.


Non-Max guys worth it (11-19 million)

- Kent Bazemore – I'd like to bring him back...absolutely. I'd love to bring him back if we happen to move JC in a trade to CHI/SAC.

- Arron Afflalo – I think I've had him on my list every single year he's been a FA or on the block. We haven't added him yet. A 3&D'er who will probably look at a more established roster.

- Loul Deng – It's a shame he's blowing up in the playoffs like he is...his price tag is spiking by the game. Don't see why he'd consider a rebuilding project. If he would, you snatch him up without hesitation. He'd be the 3rd wing I'd contact.

- Ian Mahinmi – Not a bad consolation for losing out on Al and Whiteside.

- Bismack Biyombo – See above, I think I'd prefer him to Ian though.

- Joakim Noah – If you're sure he can give you at least 50 games as a backup, he's worth a big short term deal. He's a defensive leader, a locker room leader, and his passion is contagious. Would be a great get for this team.


Non-Max guys should pass (11-19 million)

- Jeremy Lin – Looks like a completely different guy than when he was here. Too $ for the role he'd have.

- Jeff Green – Clipper leftovers? No thanks

- Chandler Parsons – Disagree with his listing here. He's a risk, but I'd take a chance on him if you miss on Durant, DD, and Deng.

- Marvin Williams – The day the Hawks moved him was such a wonderful day. He's found a nice role in Charlotte. He should stay put.

- Pau Gasol – Neutral with his listing here. Wouldn't seek him out, if his agent voiced interest, wouldn't say no.

- Zaza Pachulia – Disagree with him being in this batch. Tough nosed and loves doing the dirty work. Not a flashy front court addition. Would lump him in the same ranking as a Mahinmi.

- Timofey Mozgov – too slow as the league gets faster and smaller.

- Rajon Rondo – F no.

- Eric Gordon – not even Phoenix could fix him...so PASS.


Bargain players ( 10 million or less)

- Mario Chalmers – Game is trending in the wrong direction, but he's better than Huertas. Depends on $.

- Courtney Lee – He's been a bum since he left Orlando. For a 3 & D guy, he's not good enough at either.

- Brandon Bass – If he's not too soured on P&G because of Scot, I'd gladly welcome him back.

- Anderson Varejao – has the coattail chaser look to him. Injured too much to warrant his price tag.

- Jordan Hill – If we whiff on the bigs above, sure.

- Ramon Sessions – Not a situation he's looking for.

- Marcelo Huertas – Too slow and no D at all. Time to move on.

- Evan Turner – looking for a contender this summer.


Bargain players should pass (10 million or less)

- Derrick Williams, Marreese Speights, Nene, Norris Cole, Jarrett Jack, Greivis Vasquez, Ish Smith, OJ Mayo – agree. No to all.

Restricted players do it

- Matthew Dellavedova – Very high on my s*** list. I hate him and what he stands for. He's a dirty bum who has no place in this league.

- Jordan Clarkson – staying here.

- Allen Crabbe – intriguing young player, don't see how Portland wouldn't match.

- Harrison Barnes – Price doesn't = production. Will be sooooo overpaid in this CBA and I hope it's not by us.

- Tarik Black – One of my favorite Lakers. Hoping his connections with Luke are enough to keep him here.

- Boban Marjanovic – Spurs have big plans for him, no way they let him entertain offers.

Restricted players pass

- Evan Fournier – I'd put him on the "do it" list. I like his potential as a 3 & D'er. Can get white hot at times. Orlando has a lot of young talent and can't develop them all.

- Bradley Beal – Don't see Wiz letting him see an offer from anyone else.

- Jared Sullinger – Unmotivated and lazy...pass.

- Terrence Jones – Don't touch Houston's scraps.

- Andre Drummond – SVG will never let him go. MONSTER.

- Festus Ezeli – Not against it if Luke wants him, but there's other better options above.