The Los Angeles Lakers have made it known that they intend to chase Carmelo Anthony this summer, and are expected to have a meeting with him once free agency kicks off July 1.
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But the team may also have a backup plan in case they fail to land Anthony. According to Yahoo! Sports’ Marc Spears, the Lakers could target Chandler Parsons:
The Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks have primary interest in signing Anthony as a free agent, but also could chase Parsons if they don’t, a source said.
Parsons quickly established himself as one of the best young forwards in the NBA in only two seasons. The former second-round pick is a restricted free agent, so the Rockets could match any offer a team presents him with.
The Lakers plan to be very active in free agency, but very few expected Parsons to be available. As a second-round pick, he made less than $1 million last year, so he is due for a significant raise.
Mitch Kupchak spoke about going ‘all out’ this off-season, but the chances of the Lakers landing Carmelo Anthony are slim at best. Getting Parsons, however, would be an excellent consolation prize.
Parsons has thrived with the Rockets, averaging over 16 points and five rebounds to go along with four assists. He is also an excellent shooter, and would be able to slide into the Lakers lineup devoid of a small forward.
If the Rockets fail to attract one of the big name free agents, they are likely to simply re-sign Parsons, so the Lakers will likely find it difficult to pry him away from Houston. However, it is good to see the Lakers have numerous plans in place to improve the team this off-season.
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