Nevertheless, while the Lakers enter the new season with some rare stability, plenty of changes are likely to happen as the campaign progresses. While LeBron James and Davis are untouchable, every other member of the roster has the potential to be traded, and the Lakers are sure to be in the market for further additions if the campaign doesn’t start as expected. So, as the 2019-20 season quickly approaches, here we will examine three players that the Lakers should avoid.
#3 Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala would be an excellent addition on the court for the Lakers, and the team reportedly made him their number one free agent target after his trade from the Golden State Warriors. However, it appears that the Memphis Grizzlies won’t grant the 35-year-old a buyout, and the Lakers would be foolish to trade away several assets to clear enough cap space to take on the final year of Iguodala’s deal.
Iguodala stands to earn more than $17 million for the 2019-20 season, and with his fitness an ongoing concern, it simply makes little sense for the Lakers to take such a gamble by pursuing a trade. If Iguodala decides to continue his career into next season, adding him on a veteran’s minimum deal makes plenty of sense, however, the Lakers should steer clear this year unless the former Warriors man is handed an unlikely buyout.
#2 Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal is quickly developing into one of the NBA’s best shooting guards, and the Washington Wizards star will once again put up huge numbers this season due to the absence of John Wall. The Wizards remain eager to tie Beal down to a new deal, although the 26-year-old has yet to respond to his offer of a new max extension.
Beal has also been linked with a trade due to Washington’s inability to compete, and the Lakers are among the teams that have been linked with the guard over the past year. LA can complete a trade for the two-time All-Star but would have to give up the likes of Danny Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and JaVale McGee. Due to Beal’s value, the Lakers would also have to send several future picks to Washington, and should instead focus on developing Kyle Kuzma into a third star.
#1 J.R. Smith
J.R. Smith is currently a free agent after being waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this summer, and talk of a reunion with LeBron James refuses to go away. The experienced duo spent four seasons together in Cleveland and LeBron is believed to be a big admirer of his former teammate.
In their final season together with the Cavs, Smith averaged 8.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. However, after LeBron left for the Lakers last summer, Smith once again caused controversy by criticizing the team - and was subsequently benched for almost the entire season.
Admittedly, Smith still has the talent to help a contending team, although the Lakers have enough backcourt options that they don’t need to take a risk on the often outspoken and controversial 33-year-old.
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