Fansided

5 offseason needs for the Los Angeles Lakers

By Luke Norris

LOS ANGELES - APRIL 1: A detailed shot of the Los Angeles Lakers logo taken during the game against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on April 1, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 93-85. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - APRIL 1: A detailed shot of the Los Angeles Lakers logo taken during the game against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on April 1, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 93-85. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 15: Reggie Bullock #35 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to the sidelines during the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Los Angeles 111-97. 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 Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 15: Reggie Bullock #35 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to the sidelines during the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Los Angeles 111-97. 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 Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

3. Keep the costs down for veterans and role players

While there is certainly always something to be said for veterans on the roster, the Lakers shouldn’t be breaking the bank to have that around. Sure, having a guy like Rajon Rondo around to help mentor Lonzo Ball seemed like a good idea but is that worth $10 million? Probably not. Rondo is one of seven free agents from the Lakers that will hit the market this summer, a list that also includes JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson, Reggie Bullock, Tyson Chandler, Mike Muscala and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Most of these guys just need to be gone, possibly with the exception of Reggie Bullock, who brings in some great qualities for not a lot of money. KCP keeps hoping for that long-term deal but that’s just not feasible with what the Lakers are wanting to do in free agency. He made around $16 million last season and that’s just too much. It’s not that he’s not a good player but he’s not at that level, even with the skyrocketing salaries in the NBA right now. McGee wouldn’t cost much to bring back and a minimum deal for 12 points and 7.5 rebounds per night isn’t the worst thing in the world.

Shedding themselves of some of the overpaid contracts from the past year will create the cap space needed for this big free agency run that was always in the cards but keeping the costs down on the B-list free agents, veterans and role players is crucial. There are plenty of players out there that could keep the Lakers competitive, even without landing some of the bigger names, that could be had at a good price. Names like Khris Middleton, JJ Redick and Nikola Vucevic immediately come to mind here.

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