The Los Angeles Lakers have a big summer ahead of them, full of major decisions. They have painstakingly cleared cap space in order to make a run at LeBron James and Paul George, and could conceivably bring both to Los Angeles in what would be a massive free agency coup for the franchise.
However, if the Lakers aren’t able to lock down both superstars they may have enough money left over to re-sign some of their own free agents, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Isaiah Thomas, and Brook Lopez all being candidates.
On this episode of the Lakers Nation Podcast, host Trevor Lane is joined by guest Harrison Faigen to break down the team’s options with each of these three players.
Thomas is certainly an intriguing candidate based on the level of play that he hit with the Boston Celtics during the 2016-17 season, one that saw him become a legitimate MVP candidate. Unfortunately, hip issues limited him this season and he underwent surgery that will keep him out through the early part of the summer.
Should the Lakers take a gamble on Thomas and hope that he recovers fully or is it time to part ways?
Caldwell-Pope, on the other hand, is coming off of his best season as a pro and established himself as a deadly outside shooter, particularly after the New Year. The Lakers could use his underrated skills, and Caldwell-Pope sharing an agent with James certainly doesn’t hurt his case either, but will he want too much for the Lakers to be able to afford him?
Lastly, lumbering big man Lopez proved to be a valuable weapon on the offensive end thanks to his ability to step out to the three-point line. Defensively, he contests shots like crazy, but at 30 years old is he worth the risk of a long-term deal?
All that and more on the latest show, just click the player above.
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