L.A. Lakers: 3 Players that the Los Angeles Lakers should avoid this summer

The Los Angeles Lakers have already completed a blockbuster deal for Anthony Davis, and the team also remains hopeful of completing a deal for Kawhi Leonard.

However, with Leonard's arrival far from assured, the Lakers are known to be considering a number of other targets, and free-agent additions also appear imminent due to Los Angeles' insufficient roster depth.

Nevertheless, not every name being linked with the Lakers looks to be a good fit, and here are three players that the Lakers should avoid making a move for.

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#3 J.R. Smith

J.R. Smith has not played a single minute of basketball since November

LeBron James spent four seasons playing with J.R. Smith in Cleveland with the Cavs, and it is believed that the King wants to reunite with his former teammate in Los Angeles.

Since LeBron arrived in the West last summer, Smith has played just 11 times for the Cavs, and it is believed that Cleveland is willing to waive the veteran's contract after failing to find a trade partner.

Due to James' substantial pull in Los Angeles, the Lakers have been touted as Smith's most likely destination, but it is hard to envision how the guard would improve the Lakers.

In his limited time on the court last season, Smith averaged just 6.7 points and 1.9 assists per contest, also shooting under 35% from the field. The veteran is also known for his off-the-court issues, and his current exodus from the Cavs was the result of Smith publicly expressing his desire to be traded while also scrutinizing the direction of the franchise.

With Smith no longer in his prime, the negatives of bringing him in simply outweigh the positives, and the Lakers should steer clear.

#2 Pau Gasol

The Lakers shouldn't seek a reunion with Pau Gasol

There is no doubting that a Lakers-Pau Gasol reunion is something that most NBA fans would leave to see. Gasol turned out in the purple and gold between 2008 and 2014, during which time he won two NBA titles while establishing himself as an All-Star.

Gasol is remembered fondly in Los Angeles, and as an unrestricted free agent, some have suggested that he would be a perfect signing.

However, Gasol's body has deteriorated over the past 24 months, and the 38-year-old missed much of last season after undergoing foot surgery.

Admittedly, Gasol would bring plenty of knowledge and experience to the locker room, but the Lakers no longer have their much-touted young core after sending them to New Orleans.

This makes Gasol an awkward fit in Los Angeles, and the Lakers should instead pursue a younger and more athletic big.

#1 Goran Dragic

Goran Dragic struggled with injuries during the 18-19 season

If the Lakers were to miss out on Kawhi Leonard, multiple reports have suggested that the team could trade for Goran Dragic. The veteran guard is set to make $19.2 million next season, and the Miami Heat were looking to ship Dragic earlier this week.

A move for Dragic would take up the majority of the Lakers' cap space, and the Slovenian is coming off a season in which he managed just 36 appearances (22 starts). During his time on the court, Dragic could only manage 13.7 points, 4.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game, and he also shot a career-low 41% from the field.

Ultimately, with the likes of Rajon Rondo seemingly available on a minimum deal, it simply makes no sense for the Lakers to tie up such an extensive amount of cap space on a guard that is in decline.