NBA Free Agency 2020: 5 offseason targets for the Los Angeles Lakers

Following the Dennis Schroder trade, who should the Los Angeles Lakers target in free agency?

It’s only been a month since the Los Angeles Lakers won their 17th NBA championship, but their title defense has already begun.

With the trade moratorium lifting on Monday, the 2020 NBA Draft on Wednesday and free agency set to begin on Friday, it’s going to be a busy week for general manager Rob Pelinka. He’s already gotten things started by agreeing to ship out Danny Green and the 28th pick in this year’s draft for Dennis Schroder, providing the Lakers with another ball-handler, shooter and scorer.

This move was reportedly made as a pre-emptive strike to prepare for Rajon Rondo’s imminent departure to a team like the Atlanta Hawks or LA Clippers. Avery Bradley will be courted by the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks and several under contenders, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Chris Haynes, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has opted out to test the market as well.

These reports/decisions could just be a smokescreen to get the defending champs to pony up the dough and retain a title-winning core, but the Lakers will have competition for Rondo, Bradley and KCP regardless, especially as they prepare to re-sign Anthony Davis the moment he opts out.

The Brow is almost a no-brainer to return alongside LeBron James, so that process is really just a formality. But with so many rotation pieces up in the air, it’s time to take a look at a few free agents the Lakers should have on their radar if they want to repeat as NBA champions next season.