Lakers: 1 free agent signing to make, 1 free agent to avoid

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 27: Josh Richardson #0 of the Dallas Mavericks drives with the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 05: P.J. Tucker #17 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Brooklyn Nets in Game One of the Second Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on June 05, 2021 in New York City. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

2. The Lakers can find cheaper frontcourt help

Tucker is a key piece of a Bucks team that is still vying for the NBA title at the moment. His quality play in Milwaukee should make him an attractive candidate for legitimate contenders in free agency. The Lakers need to resist the temptation to spend their precious free agent cash on a 36-year-old who struggles to shoot the ball from deep or guard opposing wings.

Tucker’s maximum value at this stage of his career comes when he’s permitted to work as a small-ball five who can provide his team with a modicum of floor spacing from the corner. That isn’t a valuable skill set for a Lakers side that’s at their best when Anthony Davis is at the five.

Signing Tucker would help Los Angeles’ regular-season win total but that shouldn’t be the front office’s primary concern this offseason. They need to use their mid-level exception on a player who can help them close games in the postseason. Tucker just can’t do that given his limited quickness.

If Tucker was willing to sign a minimum deal he would represent a great option for the Lakers. The reality is that his quality play for Milwaukee is going to earn him something closer to the full mid-level this offseason. Los Angeles needs to focus on younger, more versatile options than Tucker at that price.

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