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Despite making many signings in the NBA free agency market, the LA Lakers are still on the lookout to fill their roster with more depth before the 2021-22 NBA season commences.
Russell Westbrook was brought in as part of a blockbuster deal, and so were veterans Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Kent Bazemore, Trevor Ariza and Wayne Ellington as well.
For a decent blend of experience with youth, the Lakers also re-signed Talen Horton-Tucker, and acquired Malik Monk and Kendrick Nunn. However, with just over a month to go before NBA training camp begins, the franchise is still on the lookout for free agents to fill the remaining roster spaces.
According to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, the Lakers are hoping to add two more players:
"The Lakers, who have 12 players under guaranteed contracts, will go into the 2021-22 season carrying 14 players in order to maintain flexibility, sources said. A third point guard is a priority... along with potentially adding another wing."
Three Free agents who could fill out the LA Lakers' roster
The LA Lakers went all in this summer to rebuild after a disappointing title defense in which they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Despite worries that their current roster is aged rather than experienced, they have the necessary star power to make a serious challenge for the title this year. Indeed, among bookmakers currently, the LA Lakers are strong favorites along with the Brooklyn Nets.
Given the pedigree the LA Lakers have as a franchise and their power three, it has been easy for their front office to bring in players on team-friendly deals and veteran minimums. If they wish to add more depth, they could have a look at the following three players, who could agree to be signed on small deals for the possibility of winning the Championship.
#1 Isaiah Thomas
If the LA Lakers are looking to add to their point guard depth, they could look at a reunion with Isaiah Thomas. The 32-year-old vet played just three games last season with the New Orleans Pelicans, but recently participated in a workout with Lakers players, including team leader LeBron James.
That workout came before his widely circulated 82-point showing at the Crawsover Pro-Am game in Seattle, which only boosted his chances of making an NBA roster.
Although Thomas is no longer the two-time All-Star guard who averaged over 24 points a season with the Boston Celtics, he would add valuable depth and experience at the end of the LA Lakers' rotation. Before his time in Boston, Thomas played 17 games for the Lakers in the 2017-18 season, in which he put up 15.6 points and five assists in 26.8 minutes per contest.
#2 James Ennis III
According to a report earlier this month by Marc Stein, the LA Lakers should be placing greater importance on their wing depth than at point guard. One such player they have been looking at is Orlando Magic forward James Ennis III.
The 31-year-old played in 41 games for the Magic last season, averaging 8.4 points and four rebounds as a starter. Most importantly, though, he shot at 43% from beyond the arc, making an impressive 48% of corner threes. While it isn't likely Ennis would see much game time in the playoffs, he could become a valuable rotation piece throughout the campaign when LeBron James and Anthony Davis are rested.
There is an argument to be made that Ennis would be an upgrade on Wesley Matthews from last season. He has serviceable defensive attributes, which Frank Vogel could improve. Considering the lack of options in the market, Ennis may be the LA Lakers' best shot at adding depth on the perimeter.
#3 Paul Millsap
Considering the number of players the LA Lakers have been linked with, it is no surprise to see Paul Millsap's name among the rumors.
The veteran power forward comes with a strong pedigree as a legitimate 3-and-D player who has averaged 1.3 steals per game throughout his career and connected with 43% of treys in the 2019-20 season. Although his accuracy dropped off last year (34%), he was still an efficient scorer, making 47.6% of field-goal efforts.
Millsap is a four-time NBA All-Star. While his best years are behind him, he could be a serviceable option in a team that values perimeter and interior defense. With Marc Gasol's future undecided, Millsap could be a desirable option.
Guess the Lakers players!
