NBA free agency: Lakers interested in Chandler Parsons, according to report

The Los Angeles Lakers will be interested in signing restricted free agent forward Chandler Parsons, reports Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears. The Houston Rockets declined his $964,750 team option, allowing him to test the market a year earlier. Parsons will have multiple suitors this summer:

The Minnesota Timberwolves are still interested in acquiring Thompson in a blockbuster trade that would send All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Warriors, a source said. But the T'wolves also have secondary interest in Parsons, the source said. If the Thompson trade doesn't happen, the source said Minnesota could attempt a deal sending Love to the Rockets and acquire Parsons in a sign-and-trade. 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.

The upside is Houston can match any offer sheet Chandler signs. He would have become an unrestricted free agent in 2015 otherwise, taking control from Houston.

Parsons averaged 16.6 points per game through the season, shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc. He's a versatile player on offense, capable of playing off-ball, creating his own shot and driving to the rim. He's also a willing passer, dishing four assists per game.

The Lakers could use a young small forward and Parsons is already a proven scorer in the third year of his career. Pairing Parsons with Julius Randle could be an intriguing, young forward duo. He could also create a potent wing scoring combo with Kobe Bryant. Courting Anthony and James will be a priority for the front office, but secondary targets will be key for the Lakers through free agency.

Free agency begins at 9 p.m. PT on June 30.