FanPost

Free Agency - Plan G

We all know by now that the Lakers are going all-in on FAs in the next two off-seasons. We also know by now what will happen if the Lakers succeed in signing two max FAs. But what if they don't succeed? Is another season of one-and-done placeholder contracts the way to go?

No.

If the Lakers' can't land their primary targets this offseason, they should just punt on next offseason and go "all-in" on the core, using the cap space on immediate need and/or veteran leadership.

I know it's crazy talk (it's Magic, it's the Lakers, there's no more Jim/Mitch, blah blah blah, yada yada yada) but there are some options out there that won't break the bank, will compliment the core, and will still leave the Lakers some flexibility to make moves if something falls into their laps.

Class of 2018

1) Julius Randle - obvious first choice because he's homegrown and restricted. Showed significant growth on the defensive end last year as well as greater discipline on offense. He's not an "alpha", but if he's your second or third option you have a pretty deep offense.

2) Tyreke Evans - one of only 12 guys in the league to average 15/5/5, can play three positions, good defender and shot the lights out from 3pt range last year (.399). 3pt shooting is a slight concern (career .318 but .387 over the last 3 seasons) but, given his age (28) and price tag (should be at/around $16m) he warrants a long hard look. Could be the perfect compliment to a growing core.

3) Clint Capela - Young, mobile rim protector who can control the glass and doesn't need a lot of touches. Game 7 "hack-a-Clint" may have cost Capela $5m+ in FA...which is good for the Lakers. They won't make the offer, but I wouldn't had a problem with tying up $12-14m in an offer sheet for three days when the moratorium ends...especially if Randle walks.

Class of 2019

1) Eric Bledsoe - hard to say what kind of offer he'll get this far in advance, but it probably won't be much more than the $14m he's getting now; in fact, it should be less ($10-12m). If the Lakers still need a backup PG, and he's willing to accept the role, he'd be worth a look.

2) DeMarre Carroll - depending on how the rest of free agency plays out, the Lakers may still need another 3/4 tweener off the bench. Carroll is a solid veteran choice for a young core that's just hitting it's stride.

3) Ricky Rubio - like Bledsoe, it all depends on what kinds of offers he's getting and if he'd be willing to play backup. If so, like Bledsoe, he'd fill that role nicely.

That's about it....slim pickings to be sure but still some good value if all else fails.

The Lakers could still make a trade for THE MAN, but they would likely have to give up assets and/or take back a bad contract to get it done. That's far from the worst case scenario, but ultimate counterproductive if you have to give up too many assets or take back too much money (or both).