Free agency will begin soon and the Lakers plan to pursue eight players who have their entire taxpayer middle-level exemption (MLE).
These eight Lakers players will be targeted by the Lakers with full taxpayer midlevel exemption (MLE).
T.J. Warren
Otto Porter Jr.
Nicolas Batum
Mo Bamba
Gary Harris
Caleb Martin
Cody Martin
Danuel House Jr.(Via The Athletic).#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/31v6zKRzzf
— Sports Notes (@TheSportsNotes) June 30, 2022
The Athletic claims that the Lakers are targeting T.J. Warren Jr., Otto Porter Jr. and Nicolas Batum. Following a disappointing season the Lakers will be looking for a second-team player to take the shots, guard the best player, or an experienced center such as Mo Bamba who can defend the perimeter and shoot three-balls.
The question is, which Lakers player should they prioritize? Nicolas Batum, who has been an all-arounder for many years, will most likely sign with the Clippers. Otto Porter Jr. will likely sign with the Warriors after a successful season in which he won the NBA Championship. T.J. Warren is likely to be approached by several teams. He could also seek more than what the Lakers have offered in a mid-level exception.
Gary Harris, Caleb Martin and Cody Martin all will contribute similarly to the Lakers. However, there are more options available in free agency for better players. Danuel House Jr. played well as a two-way member with the James Harden-led Houston Rockets. Although he could make a great addition to the Lakers’ rotation, that shouldn’t be the last resort.
With Miles Bridges’ domestic violence arrest, he could be signed at a discounted price, because it is unlikely he will get the max deal. If the Lakers have the opportunity to sign Bridges for the MLE, they likely won’t pass up on that opportunity.
Mo Bamba should be the Lakers’ priority when they grant him free agency. Alongside power forward star Anthony Davis, Bamba could see open looks from three and turn into an elite rim protector, similar to JaVale McGee’s defensive prowess when he played with the Lakers. Bamba’s average score last season was 10.6 with 47.5 percent shooting. He also had 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. Bamba was 35.2 percent shooting from three in last season. This seems like an obvious move, but they might opt for a guard or forward with the many choices in Los Angeles.
Anthony Davis initially wanted to avoid the center position and play power forward when he was traded from the Lakers to them. Bamba’s acquisition will make Davis a power forward for the entire season. Bamba is a good fit considering the Lakers’ limitations on the MLE.
Star forward Kevin Durant has requested a trade from Brooklyn. This could allow Kyrie Irving, star point guard to be traded to the Lakers. We will learn more about the Lakers’ plans for free agency as we open up.
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