Los Angeles Lakers to be a player in 2016 free agency?

The Los Angeles could save money for free agency in 2016

The Los Angeles Lakers were relatively quiet in the offseason for the second year in a row, a rare occurrence for them. Most don’t think the Lakers will be quiet for long.

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In fact, many believe the Lakers are going to pursue free agents in 2015, However, Larry Coon of Basketball explains why they may be better off waiting for the loaded class of 2016.

"In 2016, when we can assume Kobe will come off the books, his departure may be able to create room to go after another top-tier player. The big prize in this class is Kevin Durant, of course.It remains to be seen whether this phased approach will be successful. Will a tier-one guy want to join the team in 2015 when it’ll be just him, the remains of the 2014-15 team, and a promise of swinging for the fences again the following year? Stars seem to prefer the idea of either joining an existing nucleus, or arranging for multiple stars to join the same team at the same time."

Durant is obviously the headliner but there are several other huge free agents including Brooklyn Nets’ point guard Deron Williams, Charlotte Hornets’ guard Lance Stephenson, Portland Trail Blazers’ swingman Nicolas Batum, Atlanta Hawks’ big man Al Horford, Chicago Bulls’ center Joakim Noah, Memphis Grizzlies’ point guard Mike Conley, and Nets’ guard Joe Johnson. Houston Rockets’ center Dwight Howard also has a player option.

That’s quite the list and every team who can clear cap space for 2016 likely will.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we close in on the regular season.

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