3 Veteran free agents the LA Lakers should target in the 2021 NBA Offseason

#2 Trevor Ariza

Miami Heat brought in Trevor Ariza for the remainder of this season after he was bought out

Another former LA Lakers star that could be headed back to California is Trevor Ariza. The small forward was a starter on the side's 2008-09 title-winning team, averaging 11.3 points and 1.6 steals throughout those playoffs.

So bringing the veteran back would make a lot of sense for the Lakers. There had been rumors of a reunion prior to the 2020-21 campaign if Ariza was bought out by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although he was, the Miami Heat ended up bringing in the 36-year-old, with whom he played 30 games and averaged 9.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and one steal.

Ariza has been known to make big-time shots and can be relied upon as an outlet on the wing for those driving the lane. Although he has spent little time as a sixth man in the past decade, he would definitely bring defensive solidity and a scoring option to the Lakers' second unit.

#1 Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James battle

Who better to team up with LeBron James to help him chase another ring than one of his best friends off the court, Carmelo Anthony. The 37-year-old is one of the most-decorated players in the league not to have won a title and can still provide valuable scoring off the bench. Given all of this, it is no surprise that he has already been linked with a move to the LA Lakers and is probably the most-likely of any free agent to sign a minimum deal with the franchise.

What it's all about ❤️(via @carmeloanthony) pic.twitter.com/BkZbjxwIZv

— ESPN (@espn) July 24, 2021

Anthony spent the last two years with the Portland Trail Blazers and only became a role player in the 2020-21 campaign - for the first time in his career. He averaged 14.3 points and 4.6 in his time with Damian Lillard and co. and shot just under 40% from deep. He is still an elite scorer who made close to 90% of his free-throw attempts this year.

The LA Lakers lacked significant scoring options during the season, particularly from the 3-point line where they ranked 21st for efforts made. Anthony can be utilized as a knockdown shooter, either as a starter or role player and will bring immense experience for their younger players. He could also be relied upon for extended minutes in the playoffs, where he has played 83 games in his career.