NBA Free Agency: 3 Free Agents the Los Angeles Lakers should avoid this summer

After completing the signing of LeBron James last summer, the Los Angeles Lakers expected to quickly lure a second star. However, Paul George refused to even meet with Lakers management, instead opting to sign a new contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Lakers also failed to pull off deals for players such as Kawhi Leonard.

The Lakers inability to add a second star has resulted in the team once again missing out on the playoffs, although there is no doubting that the organization will up their search to secure a second All-Star this summer. A host of All-Star free-agents have been linked with a move to Los Angeles, although here we will look at three that the Lakers should avoid.

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#3 Nikola Vucevic

Nikola Vucevic was this season named to the All-Star team for the first time

Nikola Vucevic was linked with a trade to the Lakers ahead of the 2019 trade deadline, although the center eventually stayed in Orlando to see the season out with the Magic. Despite the Magic struggling for consistency on the court, Vucevic has been one of the Eastern Conferences best players of the season, averaging 20.6 points, 12.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. All of those tallies are career highs, and the Montenegrin was last month rewarded with a first All-Star call-up.

After establishing himself as one of the best centers in the NBA this season, Vucevic will be looking for a salary rise in the offseason, and he is likely to see a significant increase upon the $12.7 million that he is earning for the current season.

After retaining him back in February, Orlando appears to have plans to keep Vucevic on board this summer, and the Lakers may have to offer a near max deal to secure his signature. Vucevic would undoubtedly be a great addition to the roster, however, his probable wage demands make him a free agent to avoid.

#2 Bojan Bogdanovic

Bogdanovic has developed into a key player for the Indiana Pacers

Bojan Bogdanovic is a name unlikely to inspire many Los Angeles fans, although, the Croatian is the type of player that the Lakers may look towards after missing out on their prime targets.

While Bogdanovic will turn 30 before the 19/20 season tips off, he has continued to improve in recent years, and so far this season is averaging career highs in both points (17.8) and rebounds (4.1). The veterans ability to knock down three's will also put him among the most in-demand free agents of the summer, and his salary is likely to double from the $10 million that he is currently earning.

In the current market, Bogdanovic will be looking to be paid a sum between $15 and $20 million per season, and the 29-year-old will be keen to sign at least a three-year deal. Ultimately, offering an ageing small forward this kind of money makes little sense for the Lakers, and the team needs to focus on adding a younger second star.

#1 Jimmy Butler

Butler joined the Philadelphia 76ers back in November

Jimmy Butler has once again enjoyed a productive season, averaging 18.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. The 29-year-old is currently starring for the Philadelphia 76ers following his early-season trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, although Butler will become a free agent in the summer, and he will be looking to sign a longterm, near maximum deal.

The Sixers are expected to offer him an extension slightly below the max, however, if the Lakers miss out on Anthony Davis, it is likely that the team will turn to Butler as a backup option. With LeBron James' remaining peak years on the line, the Lakers may be panicked into offering Butler a max deal over four years, although the combination of Butler and James is unlikely to yield an NBA Championship. Ultimately, the Lakers should look elsewhere this summer.