The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for ways to upgrade their roster in the offseason. Superstar LeBron James could take a pay cut to allow the team to sign an impact player on their non-tax-payer mid-level exception. Three potential targets have already been identified.
James Harden
James Harden could be leaving the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Lakers may target him. Harden has been one of the top isolation scorers over the last decade. If he became a Laker, he would likely have to take on a different role. The team would need him to become more of a catch-and-shoot target. He doesn’t provide much on the defensive end but would be the most talented player the Lakers could add here.
Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson has been one of the best shooters in NBA history. This provides exactly what the Lakers need. He also provides a capable defender and can guard several positions. Thompson already has the catch-and-shoot profile the Lakers want, so this would be a great fit for the team. His father also played for the Lakers, winning two championships while there. This would be a perfect addition to the Lakers roster.
Jonas Valanciunas
Jonas Valanciunas is the only big man on the list. He may not be as talented as the other two, but he provides a perfect fit alongside Anthony Davis. Davis prefers to play power forward, and the team has struggled to find a center to complement him. Valanciunas provides a big body who can play in the paint, but also space the floor with his shot. This addition could be problematic for the rest of the roster however, since they already have centres on the roster. Valanciunas would make those players obsolete, so this addition is best paired with a trade.
Whichever of these three players the Lakers add, it will provide a plus addition to the roster. This will only work however if LeBron James takes a pay cut.
