The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be one of the busiest teams once free agency kicks off tonight. With so many holes on the roster, the team will likely pursue players at all positions.
— Lakers Nation Summer Sale Is Here! Get 32% Off Orders More Than $20! Use Code: #TheFuture —
One possibility at point guard is Isaiah Thomas of the Sacramento Kings. A restricted free agent, the Lakers are one of many teams thought to be pursuing Thomas according to Pro Basketball Talk’s Aaron Bruski:
League sources tell PBT that Isaiah Thomas is drawing interest from the Pistons, Mavs, Lakers, Heat and Suns.
— Aaron Bruski (@aaronbruski) July 1, 2014
Thomas has been a thorn in the side of the Lakers since he entered the league. Though he stands at only 5’9, Thomas has proven he belongs in the league, averaging 20 points per game for the Kings last season.
With so much interest in the guard, the Lakers may have to pay a little extra to bring him to Los Angeles. Thomas has spoken about getting an offer from the Lakers, but according to Bruski, the Lakers are being outbidded right now:
Pistons have showed the most interest so far, talks have started in the 3/24M range. Other talks ranging from $6-7M per year.
— Aaron Bruski (@aaronbruski) July 1, 2014
If a team is offering $8 million, the Lakers may be hard pressed to match. While the team has the cap space, they will be wary of putting a major dent in their cap space before they know the intentions of top target Carmelo Anthony.
It would be dangerous for the Lakers to wait out the Carmelo Anthony decision, as he is not expected to make a decision until next week. But the Lakers are sure to keep their options open until then.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lakers Mitch Kupchak On Coach Search And Free Agency
