NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Los Angeles Lakers

Can the Los Angeles Lakers finally lure in some big free agents? Here’s a look at five targets for Magic Johnson and company.

It’s been five years since the Los Angeles Lakers were in the NBA Playoffs, the longest drought in franchise history, and it’s time for Magic Johnson and company to shake things up.

Going 35-47 this past season, which was a vast improvement of what Lakers fans have seen over the past few years, things are moving in the right direction but rebuilding year after rebuilding year just isn’t something that L.A. fans are accustomed to. There are young pieces to this team that have a chance to keep things heading the right way but Hollywood is used to stars. Lonzo Ball is a good young player at the point but he wasn’t even the best rookie on his team. That honor goes to Kyle Kuzma, who shocked the NBA with his talent and really made a name for himself, as did Josh Hart. Brandon Ingram continues to get better each and every year and things are looking bright. But adding a few more pieces, especially with the cap room they’re going to have, is something that has to happen for the Lakers to once again become contenders in a tough Western Conference. Along with Luol Deng, those four names are actually the only members of the roster with guaranteed contracts for next season.

While something crazy may happen by trade (think Kawhi Leonard in a dream scenario), today’s focus is on those who will be free agents this summer. Speaking of free agents, that title applies to Julius Randle and Brook Lopez, who accounted for 29.1 points and 12 rebounds per game this past season, who are likely on their way out the door depending on what happens with everything else.

The Lakers are going to have plenty of money to spend so let’s take a quick look at five potential free agents that the Los Angeles Lakers should target.