Over the course of the NBA offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers franchise may go through some drastic changes with the future uncertain for many players on the current roster. With quite a few decisions to make in terms of current players heading into free agency and trades potentially on the horizon, GM Mitch Kupchak and company will have their work cut out for them this summer.
The high-priority free agents for the Lakers as of right now are Ramon Sessions (player option) and Jordan Hill (team option). There’s no telling whether or not both players will be re-signed long-term, but there appears to be mutual interest between these players and the organization.
Outside of those two free agents on the current roster, the Lakers may look elsewhere to improve the bench and other positions on the floor. One option that might intrigue the Lakers’ front office is veteran guard Ray Allen of the arch rival Boston Celtics.
As of July 1, Allen will become a free agent and able to sign with another team. The consensus has been that the Celtics won’t re-sign the NBA’s all-time leader in three-point field goals. With that being said, Allen will almost certainly get some interest around the league with the Lakers potentially looking into signing the veteran who turns 37 years-old on July 20.
The addition of Allen could help the Lakers in many ways next season. Obviously, Allen isn’t getting any younger being three years shy of 40, but he can still play at a high level off the bench and stretch the defense with his outside shooting.
With Allen, the Lakers would get a proven scorer off the bench and arguably one of the best outside shooters in league history. It is uncertain the kind of interest Allen will get over the summer, but the Lakers might be able to lock him up for the mini-midlevel exception or the veteran’s minimum.
Outside of the mini-midlevel, the Lakers will only be able to offer veteran’s minimum to free agents. With that being said, there is only a short list of players that the team can potentially lure to Los Angeles.
Along with Allen, the Lakers might also express interest in veterans like Steve Nash, Chauncey Billups, Andre Miller, Tracy McGrady, Lamar Odom and Kevin Garnett.
Things will start to get interesting over the next two months for the Lakers will plenty of options in free agency to help improve the bench next season.
