NBA Free Agency 2012: Dwight Howard and 6 Impact Players the Lakers Must Chase

The Los Angeles Lakers need to add another marquee player, and the 2012 free-agency market offers several options.

The Lakers have high standards and even higher expectations.

Since Dr. Jerry Buss took control of the team 33 years ago, Los Angeles has won 10 championships and appeared in 16 finals.

Fielding a title-contending team is an absolute necessity for the franchise, and the current team cannot compete with the NBA's elite squads.

Here's why Dwight Howard and six other players could help change that.

7. Dwight Howard, C, Orlando Magic

No prospective free agent has caused as much buzz as Dwight Howard.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is by far the best big man in the NBA.

At just 26 years old, "Superman" is at the peak of his powers.

The Lakers have a history of stealing premier centers from small-market teams, which has led to constant speculation during the 2012 season that Howard will move to Hollywood.

Los Angeles would be in excellent position to return to championship form with Howard as the foundation of the team. 

6. Deron Williams, PG, New Jersey Nets

Deron Williams in the only superstar other than Dwight Howard available in free agency this summer.

Williams has proven over the past couple seasons that he is one of the top-three point guards in the league along with Chris Paul and Derrick Rose. 

He is currently wasting away in New Jersey while the team has struggled to pair him up with another impact player.

If the Nets are unable to bring in another All-Star, Williams will almost certainly leave in free agency.

The Lakers' biggest need is at point guard, and no player on the market could add more to the Los Angeles roster than Williams.

5. Tim Duncan, PF, San Antonio Spurs

To many Lakers fans, bringing Tim Duncan to Los Angeles would be blasphemous.

The Lakers and Spurs have battled for Western Conference supremacy over the last decade and have become bitter rivals.

However, Duncan's veteran presence would give Los Angeles stability and depth in the frontcourt.

If the Lakers trade Andrew Bynum or Pau Gasol for an upgrade at point guard, they will need to add another big body.

At 35 years old, Duncan is not the player he used to be, but is still efficient and fundamentally sound.

His 14 points per game could help complete the L.A. roster.

4. Jeremy Lin, PG, New York Knicks

Jeremy Lin has shown in recent weeks that he is a legitimate starting point guard.

Lin's hustle, energy and unselfishness are infectious qualities that would make the Lakers a better team.

His ability to get in the lane and find players on the perimeter would free up space for the Lakers' stars. 

While the Knicks will likely do whatever it takes to keep their new star, he has yet to restructure his current contract.

The Lakers are way over the cap, but could work out a sign-and-trade deal to bring Linsanity to Los Angeles if the Knicks hesitate to give the guard an extension.

3. Jason Terry, SG, Dallas Mavericks

Jason Terry will forever be remembered by Lakers fans for his performance in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

Terry tied a playoff record by hitting nine three-pointers and helped the Dallas Mavericks sweep Los Angeles.

"The Jet" has been one of the league's best bench-scorers over the past several seasons. 

The Lakers have the lowest-scoring second-unit in the NBA this season and are in serious need of a dynamic player in the reserves.

Terry will likely leave Dallas and would provide L.A. with a double-digit scoring threat coming off the bench.

2. Gerald Wallace, SF, Portland Trailblazers

The Lakers have received little production from their small forwards this season, while Gerald Wallace is continuing a productive career.

Wallace is averaging 13.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game and gives the Trailblazers a dynamic defensive presence. The 29-year-old was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2010.

The Lakers have received strong performances from Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, but need to upgrade their other positions.

Odds favor Wallace staying in Portland, but he has declined to discuss a contract extension in order to maintain leverage in the free-agency market.

There are several options for a new point guard, but Wallace is the top available guy at his position, and the Lakers should try to pry him away from the Blazers.

1. Steve Nash, PG, Phoenix Suns

The ageless Steve Nash is a two-time league MVP and currently the only player averaging double-digit assists. 

The 38-year-old is still dishing out 10.9 dimes per game and playing at an All-Star level.

Since heading to Phoenix in 2004, Nash has shot better than 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line.

Only five players in NBA history have ever had 50-40-90 seasons, and only Nash and Larry Bird have done it multiple times. Nash has reached the thresholds four times and is on pace to do so again this year.

The Suns have reached an impasse with their franchise player: Nash says he will not request a trade, and Phoenix has stated that they will not trade him unless he asks to leave. Nash's contract will likely expire at the end of the season and he will be an unrestricted free agent. 

The Lakers desperately need a point guard and Nash is still one of the best around.