Marcus Thornton – Sacramento Kings – Restricted – $0.8 million (Kings made qualifying offer of $1.1 million to retain Thornton)
This may be a bit of a reach because of Thornton’s solid offensive production both with New Orleans and Sacramento in his young NBA career, but he is exactly what the Lakers need. Thornton averaged 21.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 27 games with the Kings last season after he was acquired via trade with New Orleans. Although Sacramento really likes Thornton’s game, he could be had, especially after the Kings acquired John Salmons through a draft day trade, and drafted BYU sharp shooter Jimmer Fredette with the 10th overall pick. There is a huge logjam of guards in Sacramento, which may allow the Lakers to pry Thornton away for the right price. Thornton can bring instant offense, and a youthful presence that the purple and gold are looking for.
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