20 Jan 2015 14:29:57
I have seen a lot of posts here talking about Lakers sign some Max Player/All Star next Summer. Well, I just don't see it happening. That's why I'm listing some very realistic options for next Free Agency, and the probably salary they will ask:

PG
Goran Dragic (PO) - 10M (i think he deserves more than this. And I don't think he will opt in with the Suns, since they have 3 top guards now. He wants a better role, and he would have a lot of minutes at Lakers, since he would be a starter, and also could be our SG in the future, after Kobe retires)
Reggie Jackson (RFA) - 8M (yes, he's is a restricted FA, but I don't think OKC will try to keep him. They have other priorities, and low CAP space).

SF
Tobias Harris (RFA) - 12M (i don't think Orlando Magic would let him go easly)
Gerald Green (UFA) - 9M

PF/C
Greg Monroe (UFA) - 12M
Paul Millsap (UFA) - 14M
DeAndre Jordan (UFA) - 15M

If this doesn't work, there would be a Plan B (Cheaper options, B- players), that could include:
Brandon Knight (PG, UFA) - good playmaker
Wesley Matthews (SG, UFA) - could play as SF, and take Kobe's spot as a SG on the future.
Mike Dunleavy (SF, UFA) - cheap veteran, still good shooter
Thadeus Young (PF, PO) - Needs to opt out from Minessota
Omar Asik (C, UFA) - Would have to acept a paycut, since he earns 14M/y.
Robin Lopez (C, UFA) - I still preffer Jordan Hill, but if we could sign him for 5M or less.


So, do you guys think that with these options Lakers could be a contender next year already?

1.) 01 Feb 2015
Excellent idea. I share the same thoughts. We need to be a bit lucky in free agency in terms of numbers. We also need to trade Jordan h and Jeremy for something useful for next season, either it be a draft pick or a player. We can't let them walk just for cap relief.

2.) 11 Feb 2015
These are all smart strategies moving forward for the Lakers franchise but how when we are over our salary cap with Kobe Bryant Kobe is no doubt the best in my opinion but its time to hang up the jersey and give this Lakers team a chance to land some big names as well as some assets like Dragic or Reggie Jackson

3.) 17 Feb 2015
Paul Millsap (UFA) - 14M will ask for much more after this season . around 18M.

Anyway we should try hard for M. Gasol or LMA from bigs, unless we get no1 pick.
Guard we should chase B. Knight. Yes a playmaker, so players want to come and play as they will know they will get a ball.
Go for G.Green as he can play SF for now and next year after KB retire he can play SG. as we will get KD :)

4.) 23 Feb 2015
Absolutely!

5.) 21 Apr 2015
You are probably 3-6 million off in almost all of your estimates. goran dragic is 18 mil + . Reggie Jackson 12-14 mil. greg monroe 15. milsap 16+ . Deandre 20 +