The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to go all out to retain the NBA title but all that hinges on who they can get. Several names have been linked to the purple and gold although re-signing Dwight Howard and/or JaVale McGee remains a possibility.
From the free-agent market, there are some big names to consider. One of them is Tristan Thompson, someone who recently reconnected with LeBron James. Being former teammates with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, a reunion is possible.
However, standing in the way is the budget the Lakers have to work with. Considering Thompson is coming off an $82 million deal, the only chances of Los Angeles possibly signing the Canadian is through a lower fee.
The Lakers will target Serge Ibaka in free agency, via @SeanDeveney
(h/t @LakersDailyCom) pic.twitter.com/aYc08hkIEh — Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 8, 2020
If not Thompson, there are more names to consider. One name that could make sense is Serge Ibaka. Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, citing unnamed sources, made the suggestion, believing the 31-year-old is the kind of combo guy that the Lakers would need in their NBA title repeat hopes.
The anonymous NBA general manager goes on to point out that the Lakers had an interest in Ibaka before. He is a flexible player that coach Frank Vogel would love to have. The only question there is if he is willing to accept what the Lakers can offer.
With the Toronto Raptors, Ibaka played in 55 games in the last NBA regular season. He averaged 15.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 27 minutes of action per Spotrac. He is currently an unrestricted free agent after finishing his three-year deal with the Toronto Raptors worth $65 million.
Ibaka could be the perfect complement to Anthony Davis and LeBron James. He has a solid post game and can also stretch the flood. He also has a decent shot from the three-point region and is most importantly a defensive threat. Last season, Ibaka owned a 55.9 percent clip from the field and 38.5 percent from the three-point region. Those also make him a plausible addition with the Lakers looking for player support for Davis and James.
Though there is a debate on the full potential of Ibaka, it remains he could be an asset to the Lakers or any other team. The Raptors could re-sign him as well. But if not the Lakers or Raptors, there is no doubt that Ibaka will be back next season. The only question no though is where he will play.
