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NBA Free Agency 2016: 5 targets for Lakers

By Charles Rahrig V

Mar 20, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks injured forward Chandler Parsons (25) during a timeout from the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks injured forward Chandler Parsons (25) during a timeout from the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) reacts after being called for a foul during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 123-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) reacts after being called for a foul during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 123-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Nicolas Batum

The Lakers need to not be dumb and overspend on certain players. If they’re going to land a good player, they’re going to overspend anyways. That means going after smart players that make teams instantly better.

We see what Batum has done for all the teams that he has played for. He scores the ball, rebounds the ball and passes the ball. He’s generally considered one of the smartest guys in the league and if a team is going to spend money like the Lakers are, they need to spend it on smart players that make them better.

Throwing Batum into a roster of young players could make them a surprise team next year as he would instantly make the Lakers better. He can move around in the lineup and they wouldn’t have to worry about him halting the development of the young talent.

Batum is still young himself and in the prime of his career, which could make the team even more interesting down the line. Don’t focus on the flashy players that are all stats, but the players that are efficient and make teams better.

He is that and would be a great fit for the Lakers.

Next: 4. Seth Curry

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