L.A. Lakers: 12 Free Agents Who Can Help Kobe Bryant Win Another Championship
Enough with all of these ridiculous trade rumors for Dwight Howard or Chris Paul or whoever, it's not going to happen folks. Let's start focusing on the reality of a team with a projected payroll of 95 million dollars in 2011-2012.
And while we're at it, let's really start focusing on some free agents who would be willing to take less money in exchange for the opportunity to win a championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers payed out a nifty 21.4 million dollars in luxury tax last season and probably lost money (if you choose to believe Dr. Jerry Buss) as a result of not making it to the NBA Finals.
Needless to say, the Lakers hands are fairly tied from a financial perspective, so let's take a look at 12 realistic free agent signings that can help Kobe Bryant get back to the NBA Finals.
12. Jared Jeffries
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A defensive specialist like Jared Jeffries would fit in perfectly under new head coach Mike Brown. Jeffries can guard all five positions on the court and can chip in offensively if asked.
In games 2 and 3 vs Boston in the first round of the playoffs, Jeffries combined for 22 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 2 steals.
Jeffries would fit in perfectly as a defensive stopper on LA's second unit.
11. Carl Landry
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After getting a first hand look at Landry's potential in the first round of the playoffs last year, the Lakers are fully aware of what Landry brings to the table.
Landry averaged 15.6 points filling in for the injured David West and displayed the type of toughness the Lakers were desperately missing last year.
10. Kris Humphries
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Talk about a package deal, not only did Humphries average 14 points and 15 rebounds in the month of March, he recently proposed to Kim Kardashian, giving Lakers fans even more incentive to tune in next season.
Humphries is a freakish athlete that is considered by many to be a poor man's Kevin Love. If Kim is calling the shots in this relationship, we very well may see Humphries in purple and gold next year.
9. Michael Redd
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At this point in his career, Redd is a risky investment for any team due to his injury history. He's only played 61 games in the last three seasons combined, however, it should be noted that he did play 29 minutes in the last game of the year, scoring 11 points on 5-10 shooting.
He would provide the Lakers second unit with the legitimate three point threat they so desperately need, provided he can stay healthy.
8. Shane Battier
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Yet another defensive stopper, Battier would be an ideal candidate to lead the Lakers second unit with his defense and three point shooting (career 38.5%).
Battier has always been known as a player who does a little bit of everything and he's intelligent enough to realize that at this point in his career, it may be time to put himself in the best position to win a ring.
7. Mike Dunleavy
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Another member of the 2001 National Champion Duke Blue Devils, Mike Dunleavy has never really lived up to expectations; except for the 2007-08 season, which coincidentally was the last time he was healthy for a full year.
Dunleavy shot 40.2% from three last season and would be a perfect three point specialist off the bench in LA.
6. T.J. Ford
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Another member of the Indiana Pacers, T.J. Ford has played in at least 70 games in just three of his eight seasons in the NBA. Ford isn't a very good shooter, but when healthy, he can play the point guard position at a high level.
The last time Ford was healthy for a full season in 2008-09, he averaged 15 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds, while playing over 30 minutes per game. Ford has only played 415 career games (the equivalent of 5 full NBA seasons) and should have plenty of gas left in the tank.
5. Chuck Hayes
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Chuck Hayes has to be the biggest 6'6 player in NBA history, well, maybe second to Sir Charles. From February 1st through the end of the season, Hayes racked up 10 double-doubles and one triple double.
Hayes has a wonderful all around game, he's an excellent passer, a tenacious rebounder, and can score when called upon. He is without a doubt, one of the more underrated players in the league.
4. J.R. Smith
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Another long range bomber, Smith would be instant offense off the Lakers bench as he shot 39% from three last season and can go off for 30 at any time.
At 6'6, he is a solid defender on the wing and would bring some much needed athleticism to the Lake Show.
3. J.J. Barea
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The Puerto Rican sparkplug who absolutely diced up the Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals, would be a perfect injection of youth into the Lakers aging backcourt.
Barea dropped 22 points and added 8 assists against the Lakers in Game 4, showing them exactly what they were missing last season.
2. Jamal Crawford
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One can only dream...our top 2 potential free agents are probably out of the Lakers price range, but you never know...Crawford was incredible in Atlanta's first round series win over Orlando, averaging 20.5 points per game off the bench for the Hawks.
Crawford will likely sign for more money elsewhere, unless he wants to win a championship next year of course.
1. Tayshaun Prince
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The man who does it all, Prince is an elite defender who brings an all around game that would be a welcome addition to any team in the NBA.
Prince is an efficient scorer who may decide he wants to get back to the promised land and add to his collection of NBA titles. If I could pick one unrestricted free agent over anyone, Prince would be my choice.
