Things can change quickly in the NBA landscape, especially during free agency.
According to recent reports, LeBron James is willing to accept less money if the Lakers sign an experienced veteran. Suddenly, the Lakers can have players on free agency.
This would be a big sacrifice for the 39-year-old LeBron, as he would have to take about $16 million less to reach the full $12.9 million Mid-Level Exception (MLE). Still, it sounds like the right player is willing to do it and will aim for another title in Los Angeles.
The question is, who could the Lakers target? Here is a list of seven names they could consider.
Klay Thompson, Warriors
The Lakers are reportedly one of the teams interested in Thompson, and if there is a better MLE transfer for the Lakers, I haven’t thought of it. The LA native could return home in glorious fashion with a move to the Lakers.
His father is Lakers legend Mychal Thompson, who not only played during the Showtime era but still does radio commentary. Thompson is not just a feel-good story. Even in a bad year for him, he is making impeccable three-point shots for the Lakers.
Last season, he made 268 three-pointers, which would be a franchise record in Los Angeles. Add to that his veteran leadership, championship pedigree and hunger to prove he still has several years left in the tank, and no other MLE prospect can reach the heights Thompson is still capable of.
At the moment we have to wait and see whether the organization can offer its services at a higher price than others.
Jonas Valančiūnas, Pelicans
The Lakers have been looking for a reliable big to play alongside Anthony Davis throughout his entire tenure in Los Angeles. The only time they filled that role well was in the 2019-20 season, which ended with a title. If they can’t get Thompson, Valančiūnas is a damn good consolation prize.
In New Orleans, he flirted with a double-double every night, averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds. If the Lakers can convince him to bring his talents to Southern California, it would be the first time since the title year that they have had a player with good size and good rebounds alongside Davis.
Chris Paul, Warriors
Three things are inevitable in life: death, taxes, and rumors about Chris Paul on the Lakers.
I know it’s not 2011 anymore, but CP3 can still play and provides leadership and valuable minutes off the bench as a guard who can still run an offense. Last season, he averaged 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists. Paul also had the fifth-best plus-minus on the Warriors at +110 on the season.
The biggest concern about him is his availability. Since 2020, he has played fewer games each year and only appeared in 58 games for the Warriors last season.
Caleb Martin, Heat
After giving up his $7.12 million, Martin is now an unrestricted free agent and the Lakers offer him a situation where he can excel and be a consistent starter for a contender.
Martin may only be five seasons old, but he still has the potential to get better. Last season was a career year for Martin, as he averaged 10 points and made 34% of his shots from beyond the three-point line. However, given that LeBron has to be willing to take about $16 million less to make that happen, I wonder if Martin is good enough for James to make that financial sacrifice.
Derrick Jones Jr., Mavericks
The Lakers are always looking to sign wing players, and Jones Jr. would be a great choice. He averaged 8.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in his 23.5 minutes of play last year in Dallas. Like Martin, he’s not an All-Star, but in a new scenario, you might be able to get career numbers from the eight-year veteran.
Miles Bridges, Hornets
Bringing in Bridges, who was suspended by the NBA over domestic violence allegations, would not be a good PR move. But the Lakers were undeterred, as they continued to be linked to Bridges even after the allegations.
His talent was never in question; he can score in abundance and averaged 21 points for the Hornets in 2023-24, but this is a scenario where the consequences are probably not worth the benefit.
Kyle Anderson, Timberwolves
Anderson is as reliable and consistent as a Timex watch, but who wants a Timex? Maybe the Lakers, because he gives them quality and depth and a player who can stay on the court and be respectable on both sides of the ball.
If Anderson is the best the Lakers can do, I think LeBron will take top dollar and not worry about what could have been with Anderson.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.
