NBA Free Agents: 10 Savvy Signings LA Lakers Could Make on the Cheap

Though the Los Angeles Lakers made a big splash in free agency this year when they managed to land Steve Nash, GM Mitch Kupchak's work is far from over.  LA's bench is still in need of some much-needed depth so that the starters will have some help shouldering the load, as a reliable second unit is key on any championship team.  Unfortunately for the Lakers, Kupchak has a tight budget.

Fortunately, however, there are still some talented players available in free agency who can help the Lakers off the bench.  Take Troy Murphy (pictured), for example.  He was a non factor for the Lakers last year, but he still has a good scoring touch and can provide some decent minutes under the basket.  Bring him back for the veteran's minimum, and he could turn out to be a steal.

Of course, there are plenty of other players in this category who could be of a tremendous help to the Lakers' quest to win another title.

No. 10: Michael Redd

Before his knees gave out, Redd was one of the most talented shooters and scorers in the NBA.  Over a six year stretch, he averaged 23.4 points per game playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and was practically a guarantee to nail a shot from beyond the arc.

Today, however, the former Ohio State Buckeye is a shell of his former self.  He spent last season playing for the Phoenix Suns in a reserve role and averaged just above 15 minutes per game.  Still, he made the most of his minutes and averaged 8.2 points, though his long-range shooting was a bit off.

Yet, my theory is that last year, Redd was trying a bit too hard to be the player he was in his prime.  On the Lakers, he would just have to focus on being a three-point shooter off the bench.  Considering how he's worth nowhere near more than the veteran's minimum, he is someone who should definitely be on Mitch Kupchak's radar.

No. 9: Tracy McGrady

Like Redd, McGrady is an injury-prone former All-Star whose NBA career is hanging by a thread.  He played for the Atlanta Hawks last year and averaged 5.3 points in just over 16 minutes per game.

There's no doubt at all that his best days are behind him, but the fact remains that the 33-year-old was once one of the most talented scorers in the league.  Sure, the only reason he'd keep on playing would be to win a ring, but maybe he also has some of that old luster in the metaphorical gas tank.

Considering how he's bound to sign just a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum if he opts not to retire, the Lakers could definitely use someone like McGrady in the second unit.

No. 8: Erick Dampier

Dampier also spent last year with the Hawks and barely put up any stats at all.  He didn't even average a full point per game!  Still, at this point in his career, he has one purpose: provide good size under the basket in garbage minutes.

Seeing as how he is 6'11", 265 pounds and was once a dominant big man, this shouldn't be a problem for a cheap price.

No. 7: Gilbert Arenas

Arenas' best years are behind him, and we all know that he isn't going to be one of the top point guards in the league for the rest of his career.  Still, he has a decent shooting touch and if he chooses to go ring shopping in free agency, the Lakers could be a good spot for him.

In LA, he would just be expected to provide some garbage minutes off the bench with some occasional second unit time.  More importantly, he'd come VERY cheap.

No. 6: Kenyon Martin

Though Martin is injury-prone and not the same player he was 10 years ago, he could still provide value as an enforcer.  He has great size for his position at 6'9", 240 pounds and would provide some excellent toughness off the bench were the Lakers to sign him.

However, it should be noted that Martin is a complete and utter gamble.  He's a good physical presence to have, but he also has a reputation as a bad boy.  The Lakers already have that in Metta World Peace, and don't need another one.

Still, given his cheap price tag, Martin isn't a bad option in the toughness department by any means.

No. 5: Josh Howard

Howard averaged 8.7 points in 23 minutes a game in over 43 games for the Utah Jazz last year, and he even had a handful of starts.  Though not the talented scorer he once was, he still seems determined to contribute in any way possible.  Long story short, he is the epitome of a team player.

Though the Lakers just got a great team player in Steve Nash, it couldn't hurt to have another one and since Howard probably won't cost more than a one-year deal on a low-seven figure salary, he could be worth a gamble.

No. 4: Troy Murphy

Murphy was never a truly great player, but he held his own in the scoring department and even did a good job with his rebounding back in the prime of his career.  For the Lakers last year, he was the combination of a locker room guy and someone trying to get a championship ring, as he only averaged 3.2 points in just over 16 minutes per game.

Still, now that the Lakers finally have an effective point guard, Murphy could very well be able to up his scoring at least a little bit.  Seeing as how he wants a ring and few teams would be willing to give him a chance, he could easily re-up with the Lakers for the veteran's minimum again.

No. 3: Grant Hill

Hill turns 40 before the new season will start, but he still averaged 10.2 points in 28 minutes per game for the Phoenix Suns last year.  That's pretty incredible for someone his age.

Though still an effective contributor, Hill's infamous injury history on top of his age will probably fetch him little more than a one-year deal, two at the most.  In terms of money, I can't see him getting more than $3-4 million per year, and that's being generous.

Still, he would be wise to consider joining the Lakers.  He is still searching for that ever elusive championship ring and considering how Phoenix teammate Steve Nash is now in LA, perhaps he could join him there.

No. 2: Elton Brand

Nothing against Pau Gasol, but he's a scoring power forward.  For someone 7'0", he doesn't play nearly enough defense.  That said, though Gasol is a very talented scorer, the Lakers should pursue the recently amnestied Elton Brand so that he may provide size and strength off the bench.

The former Duke Blue Devil is 6'9", 254 pounds and was a respectable force at the 2 for the Philadelphia 76ers last year and averaged 11 points to go with 7.2 boards and 1.6 blocks.  Though injury prone, he can still bang around in the paint and play some tough defense.

More importantly, as I said before, the man was just amnestied!  That alone will make it easy for the Lakers or any other team to sign him for cheap.

No. 1: Derek Fisher

Fisher's tenure with the Lakers may have ended on a sour note last year, when he was dealt away for Jordan Hill at the trade deadline, but his history with the team speaks for itself.  This is a man who was an absolute pest on defense, sank some clutch shots in twelve-and-a-half seasons with Los Angeles and won five championship rings along the way.

That said, though he would definitely come off the bench as Steve Nash's backup, Fisher and Lakers' management should let bygones be bygones and get together for one last hurrah together.  Both parties have been through so much together and it would just be a shame for the Lakers to win another championship and not see Fisher joining in the celebration.

Given his history with the team and his great leadership qualities, he could easily get a fair contract from Kupchak.