2016 NBA Free Agency: 1 move every team needs to make to be contenders

L.A. Lakers

The Lakers have entered the post-Kobe era with a core of new prospects, including D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and now Brandon Ingram. The only problem with this set of “rising stars” is the limelight they’ll have to live with in Kobe’s shadow. The Staples Center won’t be patient with the Lakers much longer, and there are a lot of shot attempts to replace in Kobe’s absence. Good news is they also have 70 million dollars in cap space.But what’s the best thing that the Lakers can do? Wait. To really contend in the playoffs with this group, they’d need to sign multiple max deals with players like Durant. That just isn’t happening yet. But if they hold off one more year, the cap goes up even further and the free agent pool is even better. Westbrook, Durant, James, Steph Curry, Blake Griffin, Serge Ibaka, Gordan Hayward, Kyle Lowry – all these players have opportunities to re-sign contracts in 2017 and they all love LA. The only players that are heading to the Lakers this year will be with agents seeking max money. Players like Harrison Barnes and Dwyane Wade, or Hassan Whiteside and Ryan Anderson. Don’t do it Mitch Kupchak. It’s a trap. The Lake Show can wait one more year while these rookies get their reps in. Build a better next year and contend in 2017, but keep away from Barnes max offer sheets.

But what’s the best thing that the Lakers can do? Wait. To really contend in the playoffs with this group, they’d need to sign multiple max deals with players like Durant. That just isn’t happening yet. But if they hold off one more year, the cap goes up even further and the free agent pool is even better. Westbrook, Durant, James, Steph Curry, Blake Griffin, Serge Ibaka, Gordan Hayward, Kyle Lowry – all these players have opportunities to re-sign contracts in 2017 and they all love LA. The only players that are heading to the Lakers this year will be with agents seeking max money. Players like Harrison Barnes and Dwyane Wade, or Hassan Whiteside and Ryan Anderson. Don’t do it Mitch Kupchak. It’s a trap. The Lake Show can wait one more year while these rookies get their reps in. Build a better next year and contend in 2017, but keep away from Barnes max offer sheets.

Next: Memphis Grizzlies