Lakers Rumors: Rounding Up Buzz on Amar'e Stoudemire and Free-Agent Targets

There are two ways to look at the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency right now. 

One, the team just isn't an attractive destination anymore. Kobe Bryant's still around, the team has two young rookies and the rebuild remains a few years out.

Two, all the above is bunk. As some information below will reveal, the team remains in the hunt for major names. When such a realization hits, it becomes clear the front office is just being more careful than usual about its rebuilding process.

Door No. 2 makes the most sense. The Lakers may not swing a major name this offseason, but it's clear the front office won't sacrifice its budding talent in an act of desperation, either.

With the approach in mind, here's a look at the latest.

Taking Out an Insurance Policy

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There is a scenario in which the Lakers miss out on every big-name forward through various avenues this offseason, meaning the team needs a backup plan.

This is especially the case after the team declined Jordan Hill's option, per Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News.

Now, the Lakers would like Hill back, but if it doesn't work out, they will need to look elsewhere for help at both power forward behind Julius Randle and at center. One such name continuing to pop up is veteran Carlos Boozer.

Medina reported the interest: "Among the teams that expressed interest in re-signing him included the Lakers, Clippers, San Antonio, Portland, Dallas, Houston, Boston, Washington and Miami, according to a league source familiar with the situation."

Boozer's name won't blow anyone away, but he's a necessary insurance plan if it turns out the Lakers need to develop another year and then gun for major names.

Last year, Boozer averaged 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds on 23.8 minutes per night with the Lakers. So long as Randle stays healthy, the role would see a reduction next season.

As a backup plan for depth, the Lakers could do worse.

Starting Center Still Available?

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With Hill out of the picture for a moment, there's an outside chance the Lakers can still find a starting center for next season who has the chance to improve in such a capacity.

Folks might not jump out of their seats for the name Kosta Koufos, but the Ohio State product is still available and hungry for a starting role.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Memphis Grizzlies are willing to work something out:

Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy revealed the Lakers are one of a few teams with interest:

Now 26 years old, it's clear Koufos wants a starting gig after years behind Marc Gasol. He averaged only 16.6 minutes per game last year with averages of 5.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.8 blocks.

With the Lakers, Koufos would be an adequate starting center next to Randle if nothing big in free agency works out. The team could also upgrade on him in future years with major names, but his addition would free the team up to pursue top-flight guards and small forwards with a peace of mind it just doesn't have right now.

Working something out to obtain Koufos won't be simple, but it makes too much sense not to try.

Mutual Interest with Amar'e Stoudemire

Then again, the Lakers could go deep down the veteran side of things at the position with a name such as Amar'e Stoudemire.

After he split time between the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks last season, it sounds like the 32-year-old forward wouldn't mind a stint with the Lakers, perhaps to close out his career.

Bleacher Report's Jared Zwerling reported the situation between the two sides:

If the two sides come together for a deal, it won't be because either thinks Stoudemire will act as a starter. His body won't be able to handle starter minutes, but a platoon with Robert Sacre, Hill and others wouldn't hurt.

Last year, Stoudemire averaged 16.5 minutes during his stay with the Mavericks, turning in 10.8 points and 3.7 rebounds on 58 percent shooting from the floor.

While not worth the big bucks, and a potential signing won't make waves like his landing in New York did just a few years ago, Stoudemire would prove to be a key piece of the rebuild moving forward should a deal come to light.

Forget Stoudemire's ability to score at a consistent clip off the bench. What's more important is what he offers young guys like Randle moving forward as the Lakers continue to move in the right direction.

While it would seem five or six years too late, Stoudemire's arrival in Los Angeles, in reality, would be just in time.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.