L.A. Lakers: Who They Should Target in Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers tasted the bitterness of defeat when they were shockingly swept by a very deep Mavericks squad. Analysts are split on whether the Lakers' front office should completely blow up this team (maybe with the exception of Kobe Bryant) or keep it intact in hopes of another run. I believe this Laker core can still win a championship, but changes must be made to the supporting cast if L.A. intends to contend in a now even deeper Western Conference. 

The NBA lockout will stink up the offseason quite a bit, but hopefully everyone involved will come to an agreement quickly. If the lockout extends into the season, it might be a quiet offseason for the Lakers. The ownership and front office rarely ever rush into decisions, especially if it means tinkering with the starting lineup. I'm sure most of the starting lineup will stay intact, maybe with the exception of Fisher. I believe Bynum will eventually get traded but that might not occur until the 2012 offseason or midway though the regular season. 

While this year's free-agent crop isn't as star-studded as last year, there are some intriguing options in the open market. The Lakers may not find a starter, but with the likely departure of Shannon Brown and several other second unit players, this should give L.A. a chance to rebuild their pathetic second unit. 

Here are several free-agent options the Lakers should consider. 

Jamal Crawford

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 28: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a three-point basket against the Orlando Magic during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 28, 2011 in Atlanta, Ge

Jamal Crawford will likely depart the Atlanta Hawks this offseason. Atlanta just gave Joe Johnson a max contract, leaving little wiggle room financially. Crawford has given the Hawks a legitimate scoring punch off the pine and is a viable Sixth Man of the Year award candidate every season (if he continues to come off the bench). 

He has already proven his "clutchness," as evident in the Orlando series this year. While he isn't a great defensive player, he more than makes up for it on the offensive end. The Lakers would have a scary second unit with Lamar Odom and Crawford (two recent Sixth Man of the Year award winners) coming off the pine. 

The Lakers have sorely needed another consistent perimeter scorer besides Kobe Bryant. The second unit has a tough time scoring and Crawford would immediately fix that problem. His presence could also allow the Lakers to keep Fisher as the starting point guard (nullifying any chemistry concerns). Crawford will probably play point guard (can play both guard positions) in end game situations, alongside Kobe, Pau, Artest and Odom. 

Crawford also is a solid three-point shooter (another need for LA) and that could open up the paint a bit for the big guys. 

Acquiring Crawford might be a problem, though. The Lakers will have their mid-level exception to offer, but Crawford might be demanding more. He may demand in the range of $8-9 million on the open market and the Lakers will not be able to match that. Also, some teams might offer him a better role (maybe as a starter). 

The Lakers will have to sell the allure of winning a championship for Crawford to take less money. 

Shane Battier

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 01: Forward Shane Battier #31 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during a 114-101 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2011 at Oklahoma City Arena i

Shane Battier will be a coveted player in the open market and I'm sure Memphis has their sights on re-signing the veteran. Battier will most likely demand a contract in the range of $4-5 million (about two to three years in length), which puts him in the Lakers' range. I'm not sure if L.A. wants to use their full mid-level on a role player that'll turn 33 before the season starts, but it would undoubtedly be a great fit for both sides. 

Battier makes his money on the defensive end, where he is regarded as one of the top on-the-ball defenders in the league. If the Lakers decide to sign Battier, it will make Artest expendable. I believe Battier is a better fit on the defensive end and is a far better three-point shooter than Artest. Battier plays team defense to perfection and is a consistent corner three-point shooter. He also has a high basketball IQ, which would aid him in learning the fundamentals of the triangle. 

Battier will add to the veteran leadership already on the team. He is well regarded in the locker room and will be openly welcomed by Kobe Bryant. 

Jason Richardson

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 22: Jason Richardson #23 of the Orlando Magic walks off the court with Quentin Richardson #5 after being ejected for fighting with Zaza Pachulia #27 of the Atlanta Hawks during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the

Many Laker fans know of Jason Richardson in his days playing for Phoenix (recently) and the Golden State Warriors. Richardson isn't the scorer he once was, but is still a player than can occasionally fill it up when needed. He's also a solid defender, but the veteran guard/forward doesn't make his money on that end. 

Several teams will be vying for his services and can offer bigger roles than what the Lakers might propose.

Richardson can provide a scoring punch off the bench at a reasonable contract (no more than the mid-level) and would be a nice backup to Kobe Bryant. 

Leandro Barbosa

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DENVER, CO - MARCH 21: Leandro Barbosa #20 of the Toronto Raptors takes a shot against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on March 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Raptors 123-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

"The Brazilian Blur" is regarded as one of the fastest players in the league. He could give that Lakers' second unit a jolt when subbing in. Barbosa has destroyed the Lakers in the past when playing for the Suns, but it may be different next season if he dons the purple and gold. Ever since his days with the Suns, he's played on a losing Raptors team. 

Barbosa may ask for a contract in the range of $3-4 million, which is perfect for the Lakers. They need to add a dimension of speed to that roster, and Barbosa could fill that role. He could also play both guard positions. 

Jeff Foster

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 23: Jeff Foster #10 of the Indiana Pacers and Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls battle for position on a free-throw in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Conseco Fieldhouse on April 23

Jeff Foster is also a very underrated player and an ideal bench sub. He is an excellent defender and would be a great backup to Bynum or whoever is playing the center position for the Lakers. 

Like a Joakim Noah, Foster is a player opposing teams hate to play against (but would love to have as a teammate). The Lakers have lacked that toughness in their bigs off the bench and Foster would assuredly provide that. 

The Lakers could probably sign Foster to the veteran's minimum (an 11-year veteran and is probably looking for a ring). 

Tayshaun Prince

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 24: Tayshaun Prince #22 of the Detroit Pistons attempts to block the pass of Gilbert Arenas #1 of the Orlando Magic during the game at Amway Arena on January 24, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

Tayshaun Prince has been regarded as one of the top perimeter defenders in the league. His long arms aid him in slowing down some of the top perimeter threats in league (Kobe can attest to that). Prince is not the player he once was but is still a solid scorer, with the ability to hit the perimeter shot and play in the post. 

If the Lakers decide to sign Prince, that may be the end of Artest in a purple and gold uniform. Prince is a much more consistent defender and has had success guarding players Artest has struggled with recently (LeBron James for one). 

Prince will likely demand a contract ranging from $5-6 million.