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The LA Lakers have made a ton of moves before and during 2021 NBA free agency, and have been linked to rumors involving veterans the past few days. They have yet to make a decision on their own free agent, Dennis Schroder, but if they want to keep signing veterans at the minimum, the pickings are getting slimmer by the day.
Nevertheless, there are players who can be signed to one-year deals that would fit within the LA Lakers’ budget and, more importantly, their roster as currently constructed.
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Veteran minimum players are the way to go for LA Lakers in 2021 NBA free agency
The LA Lakers have reportedly agreed to several deals that have made them a destination of choice for veterans and a couple of younger players looking to chase a title on budget-friendly contracts. Among those players are Malik Monk, Carmelo Anthony, Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington, Kent Bazemore and Dwight Howard.
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They have a few more available slots to go before training camp opens and these are the veteran players they can try and pursue in free agency:
#3 J.J. Redick
After his deal with the Dallas Mavericks expired, J.J. Redick is now without a home. He’s an unrestricted free agent and can sign with a team of his choosing. Not surprisingly, his name has been attached to Lakers rumors before.
As a knockdown shooter at 37-years-old, Redick would fit right in with the LA Lakers. Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis would love nothing more than to pass him the ball after they’re double-team in the post or on a drive to the basket.
He had a down year last season, averaging just 7.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest. But his value as a 3-point shooter remains intact. Redick is a career 41.5 percent shooter from beyond the arc with a 37.1 percent 3-point shooting average last season.
If the LA Lakers are looking to add to their stash of shooters, Redick would be an excellent player to add on a veteran minimum deal.
#2 Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala is another veteran free agent who the LA Lakers are reportedly pursuing. According to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the three-time NBA champion’s choices are down to three teams.
“I’m told 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala has narrowed his playing choices down to the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers,” Charania said.
As an 18-year vet, Iguodala is merely looking to add to his championship jewelry rather than getting paid handsomely, especially since he’s already way past his heyday. The last time he contributed to a title team was with the Golden State Warriors three years ago.
The LA Lakers need his championship experience and ability as a lockdown defender to slow down some of the best wing players in the league. Though he doesn’t shoot the 3-pointer as well as some 3-and-D players, he is known to knock one down during clutch situations.
Iguodala would be invaluable to the LA Lakers should they face teams with players like Brandon Ingram, Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo in the postseason.
#1 LaMarcus Aldridge
This last veteran is actually retired at the moment, but LaMarcus Aldridge is seriously considering a return to NBA action next season, per recent reports. The power forward-center last played for the Brooklyn Nets until he prematurely retired following irregular heartbeat issues last season, when he averaged 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
The LA Lakers were reportedly vying for his services last March after he was bought out by the San Antonio Spurs. If he’s medically cleared to play, Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka should give him a call once again.
As one might expect, Aldridge is likely looking to win his first NBA title and the LA Lakers are well positioned to give him that opportunity.
Aldridge would be an ideal big man to play behind or alongside Davis. The 15-year veteran can play facing the basket and has extended his range to the 3-point arc, making him the perfect player to play on the LA Lakers who need his outside shooting.
Furthermore, Aldridge can play with his back to the basket and score inside the paint. The LA Lakers covet this type of versatility as an inside and outside threat from a big man who also has a lot of experience playing in the postseason.
Needless to say, if the LA Lakers ever find out that Aldridge will indeed make a comeback, they should make him their No. 1 priority to pursue.
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