Los Angeles Lakers: 8 Free Agents That Will Help the Lakers Stay Elite

With Phil Jackson gone and Mike Brown set to take over the Los Angeles Lakers, they will need to add some new pieces.

And while Kobe can still dominate in this league, he is passing his prime and he will need some help.

These are eight free agents that could help the Lakers remain among the elite class in the NBA.

Atlanta Hawks: Jamal Crawford

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ATLANTA, GA - MAY 06: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Atlanta Hawks against the Chicago Bulls in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Phillips Arena on May 6, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknow

Since being traded to Atlanta, two seasons ago, Jamal Crawford has reinvented his game.

He is one of the more productive bench players in the league, winning the sixth man award in 2010.

While he will be entering his 13th season, his career still has upside.

He is a durable player who can give a big boost to a team that places high value in its bench. 

Boston Celtics: Glen Davis

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BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 17: Glen Davis #11 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot in the first quarter against the Orlando Magic on January 17, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downlo

Glen “Big Baby” Davis has been one of the more productive players for the last four seasons.

While he is considered undersized for his role, he has elevated his game to be one of the leagues best defenders in the post.

He can step in and take a charge or he can provide help defense.

Davis would be good defensive depth should L.A. pull a few strings to acquire Dwight Howard.

Detroit Piston: Tayshaun Prince

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 24: Tayshaun Prince #22 of the Detroit Pistons attempts a shot over Hedo Turkoglu #15 of the Orlando Magic during the game at Amway Arena on January 24, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

Since winning the NBA Championship in 2004, the Detroit Pistons haven’t made much noise. But that isn’t to the fault of Tayshaun Prince.

In five of the last seven seasons, he’s played in 82 of 82 games and averaged 14.1 points per game.

While he isn’t going to provide any league leading numbers, he can still score and the Lakers couldn’t say no to that.

Chicago Bulls: Brian Scalabrine

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Brian Scalabrine #24 of the Chicago Bulls against the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center in Washington on February 28, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading an

Every year the Lakers have a player that fans just go crazy for.

Whether it’s Mark “Mad Dog” Madsen, Jordan Farmer or Shannon Brown, these players provide a big spark for the crowd when they come off the bench.

Brian Scalabrine is the next player. Boston Celtics fans got a kick of him during his town in Bean Town, so did Bulls fans while he was in the “Chi.”

Dallas Mavericks: J.J. Barea

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DALLAS, TX - JUNE 07: Jose Juan Barea #11 of the Dallas Mavericks drives for a shot attempt against Mario Chalmers #15 and Udonis Haslem #40 of the Miami Heat in Game Four of the 2011 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 7, 2011 in Dallas, Texa

J.J.  Barea exploded in the 2011 NBA Playoffs.

He gave the Champion Dallas Mavericks a huge lift in series wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat.

Derek Fisher may be in the final go-around of his career so the Lakers will need to replace him.

It may be beneficial to bring in a guard who has experience playing in the tough western conference.

Denver Nuggest: Kenyon Martin

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SALT LAKE CITY - APRIL 30: Kenyon Martin #4 of the Denver Nuggets stands on the court during their game against the Utah Jazz in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2010 NBA Playoffs at EnergySolutions Arena on April 30, 2010 in Salt

Kenyon Martin has had decent success in Denver.

However, they haven’t been able to make it all the way through the Western Conference.

And with the Nuggets basically tearing apart the team through last season’s Carmelo Anthony trade, Martin may want to get out of Denver.

Martin is a true NBA power forward. He plays big in the post, he blocks shots and he rebounds (7.0 career average).

Denver Nuggets: J.R. Smith

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DENVER, CO - APRIL 25: J.R. Smith #5 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOT

Also from the Denver Nuggets is J.R. Smith.

Smith has been an effective role player over the years for the Mile-High City.

He is a great slasher and isn’t afraid to throw down rim-rattling dunks.

While he has generally come of the bench during his career, it would be interesting to see him start alongside Kobe Bryant.

Memphis Grizzlies: Shane Battier

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 03: Forward Shane Battier #31 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during a 111-102 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 3, 2011 at Oklahoma City Arena

Shane Battier is one of those players who made his career with great play in the Western Conference Playoffs.

He is one of the league’s best defensive presences and has earned respect among many of his peers.

Adding him to the Lakers, whose new head coach Mike Brown loves defense, may be a really good fit.