The Los Angeles Lakers will attempt to improve their roster in free agency this summer, with the team needing to upgrade their talent in order to right the ship. They have a mountain of cap space to play with, but competition for the top free agents will be fierce thanks to a jump in the salary cap providing nearly every team with money to spend.
However, the Lakers won’t solely focus on improving their starting lineup. They need to round out their bench as well, and ideally would like to add steady, hard-working veterans who can help teach their young core how to be professionals.
With that in mind, Darren Wolfson of KSTP has reported that the Lakers are interested in free agent forward Jon Leuer:
(1/2) Local NBA FA buzz: Orono HS alum Jon Leuer has the Suns, Lakers, + NYK, among teams interested. Good under-the-radar FA, IMO.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 30, 2016
Wolfson also reports that the Lakers have interest in veteran forward Alan Anderson:
(2/2) DeLaSalle HS alum Alan Anderson has the 76ers, Cavs, Lakers, and Clippers, among teams interested.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 30, 2016
The 33-year-old Anderson has had multiple stints in Europe over the course of his career, but played his way back into the NBA in 2012 and has stuck ever since. He played for the Washington Wizards last season but unfortunately appeared in just 13 games after undergoing ankle surgery.
Leuer, on the other hand, is a 27-year-old power forward who can stretch the floor. He spent last season with the Phoenix Suns, erupted back for 22 points and 14 rebounds when the Lakers came to town back in March.
With this rumor, and the one suggesting the Lakers will also pursue Ryan Anderson, it appears that the team is looking to improve their outside shooting. Considering the fact that Los Angeles had the lowest three point percentage in the league last season, this is probably a good idea.