LA Lakers Trade Rumors: Top 10 Targets They Need to Pursue This Summer
Now that the Los Angeles Lakers have been sitting at home for a couple of weeks watching the playoffs, it is easier trying to determine the improvements the team needs to make this offseason.
The Lakers probably don’t need to change as much as worried fans think. In the midst of their playoff meltdown, it was a popular sentiment the team needed to undergo major changes.
While they probably don't need to be major changes, the team definitely does need to make some changes this offseason to remain a contender for championships in the future.
Currently, the Lakers' four biggest weaknesses are: point guard play, three-point shooting, lack of athletic wing players and a decent backup big man.
Here are 10 free agents the team may want to consider taking a look at this summer, in an attempt to strengthen some of their weak spots.
10. Jason Kapono
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Kapono has proven in the past he can crack the rotation on a contending team. Kapono led the league in three-point percentage in back-to-back seasons (2006-07, 2007-08), as a member of the Miami Heat.
The Lakers could definitely use a sharp shooter coming off their bench.
9. Ronny Turiaf
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Ronny Turiaf spent three seasons with the Lakers when he first came into the league out of Gonzaga University.
In his time with the Lakers, he provided the team with something they are now sorely lacking. A decent backup post player who provides energy and physicality.
8. Marcus Thornton
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After Thornton was traded from the Hornets to the Kings at the trade deadline, the second-year guard went from averaging eight points a game with New Orleans to 21 points a game with Sacramento.
There is a possibility Thornton’s numbers could be fool’s gold, considering he was playing on a cellar dweller in Sacramento. However, the Lakers may want to consider Thornton as a backup for Kobe Bryant.
7. Shawne Williams
4 of 10
Shawne Williams is a young, athletic player in the Knicks organization the Lakers should consider taking a look at this summer.
Playing with better players in Los Angeles would give Williams more space to showcase his consistent three-point stroke.
6. Samuel Dalembert
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Dalembert would be a stellar backup for Gasol and/or Bynum. The Lakers have more or less carried dead weight the last two seasons at the backup center position.
In the season finale against the Lakers, Dalembert recorded 16 points, 18 rebounds and two blocks.
5. Goran Dragic
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A quality point guard who would look good in purple and gold is Goran Dragic.
While he still has work to do honing his skills, he is better than any current point guard the Lakers have on their roster.
4. Jason Richardson
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Jason Richardson would do a wonderful job spreading the floor and providing the team with legitimate three-point shooting.
The Lakers' three-point shooting was so shaky at points last season, I was wishing Sasha Vujacic was back on the roster.
3. Jamal Crawford
8 of 10
Jamal Crawford is a player with the ability to score points in bunches. Aside from Joe Johnson, Crawford has been the Hawks’ best pure scorer the last couple of seasons, in addition to being one of the league's top sixth men.
2. Aaron Brooks
9 of 10
There is a very slim chance the Suns won't end up resigning Brooks, considering their own lack of depth at the point guard position.
Brooks would be the point guard the Lakers have been lacking for many years. The team will need to make a move for a point guard sooner than later. Why not now?
1. J.R. Smith
10 of 10
Sure, J.R. Smith is somewhat of a head case, but he would be a perfect punch for the the Lakers off the bench or even in the starting lineup.
Smith’s questionable attitude is worth the risk in my opinion.
