LA Lakers: 3 Free Agents that the team should bring back this summer

Following a disappointing 18/19 season, the Los Angeles Lakers will undergo major changes this summer. Both Magic Johnson and Luke Walton have already exited the team, and a number of the roster will enter free agency in the coming months.

The Lakers have the cap space to add a second star in free agency, and Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, and Kemba Walker are believed to among the team's primary targets. If the Lakers manage to successfully add a second star, there will be a need to fill a depleted roster -- and it is notoriously difficult to find individuals that can make an impact on low salaries.

Due to this, a number of upcoming free agents may re-sign with the Lakers, and here we will look at three members of the current roster that should stick around next year.

#3 JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee started the 18/19 season incredibly well. The veteran center impressed alongside LeBron James, and many experts around the league heralded McGee's arrival in LA as one of the best deals of the summer.

However, after the turn of the year, McGee struggled for both form and fitness, and he eventually dropped out of Luke Walton's starting lineup. But, McGee still managed to finish the season averaging 12.0 points, and 7.5 rebounds per game -- an excellent return for a center earning only a veteran's minimum salary.

Since the conclusion of the regular season, McGee has stated his eagerness to return to Los Angeles this summer, although the Lakers may face competition from his former team (Golden State).

The Lakers are likely to go all-in to acquire Anthony Davis this summer, although they will still require depth at the center position. This indicates that the return of McGee makes sense, and the veteran could potentially form a major part of the Lakers' reserve unit for the 19/20 season.

#2 Lance Stephenson

Lance Stephenson's NBA career is perhaps most notable for his clashes with LeBron James, so a lot of figures around the league were surprised when he arrived in Los Angeles last summer. Yet, James and Stephenson managed to successfully put aside any past issues, and Stephenson's versatility and playmaking abilities proved to be a major asset to the Lakers.

Despite starting just three times, the 28-year-old averaged 7.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, and he was one of the few bright sparks of an underwhelming Lakers reserve unit. Stephenson has since expressed his desire to return to the Lakers next season, and it is possible that he would be willing to take a cut on the $4.5 million he earned this year. Ultimately, if the Lakers can convince Stephenson to sign for anywhere near $3 million, a return would suit both parties.

#1 Alex Caruso

Los Angeles Lakers v Los Angeles Clippers

Following a dismal start to 2019, the Lakers' playoff prospects had fizzled out by March. This handed a number of fringe player's the chance to get increased minutes, and Alex Caruso was among the individuals to utilize their opportunity.

In his final 10 outings, the 25-year-old averaged 12.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, and also shot around 50% from beyond the arc. These were absurd number's for a player that had barely featured throughout the season, and Caruso went on to further showcase his ability as he recorded 32 points, 10 rebounds and five assists against the Clippers.

With Rajon Rondo set to leave this summer, and Lonzo Ball's future with the franchise still in doubt, the Lakers need depth at point guard, and it should be an easy decision for the Lakers to hand Caruso a new one-year deal.

Edited by Israel Lutete