NBA Free Agency 2018: One signing every team should make

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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EL SEGUNDO, CA – FEBRUARY 12: Channing Frye #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media during all access practice on February 12, 2018 at UCLA Heath Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Lakers — Channing Frye

The Lakers’ summer plans, understandably, centered around landing LeBron James and/or Paul George — they didn’t clear out cap space for this summer to make re-signing Julius Randle affordable. If that happens, they’ll need pieces that fit in well around LeBron and/or George and will help a team transition into a new reality. He has limitations, but there are few guys better equipped for that job than Channing Frye.

When he was traded to the Cavs in 2016, Frye immediately helped the team. In the locker room, he helped everyone connect and bond in a way they had not before. On the court, he was perfect pick-and-pop partner for LeBron. In Los Angeles, he’d fill the same role and help a team that will have so much hype and expectations surrounding it that it needs someone to lighten the mood and offer the right perspective. Maybe he’s run off the floor in the playoffs, but history shows that LeBron values having guys like Frye around.

And if LeBron doesn’t come, Frye still fits the Lakers. He’ll come at a low cost and won’t tie up any future cap space. He’ll continue his role from last season of mentoring the younger Lakers who are just starting their career. And is there a better possible mentor for first-round pick Mo Wagner than Frye?

This is not the type of signing that the Lakers have been building towards, but Frye makes sense for them regardless of what happens.

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