2011 NBA Free Agents: 5 Small Forwards the Los Angeles Lakers Could Sign

With the lockout finally over and a crazy free agency period on our doorsteps, Lakers fans will be wondering what moves team will make to improve.

Obviously, the two weakest positions on the team are at point guard and small forward.

The Lakers have some interesting choices to make this season—in particular, how they will bring in talent that will make an immediate splash.

We still don’t know exactly who is going to be available from the amnesty, but we do know some guys will definitely be on their way out because of their terrible contracts.

Besides the amnesty, there are still a few names I think the Lakers really ought to consider in free agency who would really help the team.

Combining both lists, here are five small forwards the Lakers should consider signing as they head into what should be a wild free agency period.

Rashard Lewis

A guy like Rashard Lewis would be a nice fit for the Lakers. He can help spread the floor and can knock down shots.

And luckily for him, he wont be asked to play power forward for the Lakers, as they are a team with plenty of size up front.

He may not be worth $20 million anymore, but if the Lakers can sign him for the Mid-Level Exception, he’ll be a great addition.

Marvin Williams

Another player who could be part of the amnesty is Marvin Williams.

While it isn’t certain he’ll be waived, analysts have speculated that he could be on his way out of Atlanta.

Personally, I think the Hawks will be hesitant to cut Williams. But if they do, the Lakers should be at the front of the line to bring him in.

He may never be the superstar the Hawks had hoped for, but at 26 years old, he would bring solid play and much needed youth and athleticism to Los Angeles.

Grant Hill

Grant Hill hasn’t been mentioned much in free agency talk, but I think the Lakers would be crazy to not at the very least discuss a possible deal with Hill.

While he is getting on in years, he has been surprisingly consistent the last few seasons and still has plenty of athleticism to provide a great boost to the Lakers.

He could come off the bench or trade starts with Metta World Peace, aka Ron Artest.

Shane Battier

Shane Battier is another name that will begin to swim around the headlines.

Coaches seem to love Battier, though he has never really packed a big offensive punch.

He’s a smart veteran who could help the Lakers as they transition into a new offense.

Defensively, he does a nice job and while he isn’t my first choice on this list, he deserves to be in the conversation.

Should the Lakers end up with him, it could be a great decision.

Tayshaun Prince

There’s a guy out there I’ve really heard nothing about this offseason—Tayshaun Prince.

For years, he has been rumored in trade talks with the Lakers and I think if they can get him for cheap, he would be excellent for them.

At 31, he still has plenty of legs left and would really help the Lakers defensively and spread the floor on offense. Because Prince never became that “go-to” scorer, people really seemed to cool on him, but I still believe he can bring a lot to whichever team decides to sign him.

Conclusion

No matter how free agency ends up playing out, I fully expect the Lakers to sign a player capable of making an impact.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, the new CBA will make things much more difficult in terms of accumulating big contracts. However, the Lakers are very much in a “win now” mode, and I think Jerry Buss will still happily spend a few extra dollars to keep the team competitive and Kobe Bryant happy.

Where that money will be spent is a mystery. But one of the gentlemen previously mentioned could be in purple and gold soon.

And that should mean good things for Lakers fans this upcoming season.