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Free Agency got underway last night, although the Los Angeles Lakers stayed quiet during a hectic evening in which over $3 billion of salary was committed.
Nevertheless, the Los Angeles franchise will be active in the coming days, and here are all the latest Lakers news and rumors you need to know.
The Lakers are Kawhi Leonard's 'First Choice'
Over the past 24 hours, NBA insider and analyst Chris Broussard has been tracking Kawhi Leonard's next move.
While Leonard has yet to make a final decision, Broussard has been reporting that the Lakers are in a strong position to land the Finals MVP, and during an appearance on Fox Sports Radio’s The Odd Couple, Broussard claimed that the Lakers are Leonard's first choice destination:
I’m being told the Lakers are Kawhi Leonard’s first choice. He and his camp spoke with Magic yesterday and laid out what they want from the Lakers. Nothing crazy, just some additions to the staff and asking ‘Is Kawhi going to be treated like LeBron in the organization?'As long as Jeanie doesn’t do anything to screw it up in the meeting I’m told that’s his first choice.
Kevin Durant's move to the Brooklyn Nets has left Leonard as the outright best player available in free agency, and the L.A. Clippers are also believed to be in the running to prise the superstar away from Toronto.
Following their title-winning season, the Raptors remain desperate to keep the 27-year-old and can offer him five years and about $190 million. Meanwhile, the Clippers and Lakers can give Leonard a four year, $140 million contract, although the All-Star is known to be keen on a return to his native Los Angeles.
Troy Daniels to sign a one-year deal
The departure of Lonzo Ball has left the Lakers desperately in need of a new point guard, and The Athletic's Shams Charania is reporting that Troy Daniels will head to Los Angeles on a one-year deal.
Daniels has spent the past two seasons in Phoenix playing back up to Devin Booker. During the 18-19 season, Daniels played 51 times, averaging 6.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 14.9 minutes per game. As a career 40% shooter from three-point range, Daniels' addition will provide the Lakers with a much-needed sniper.
Daniels will turn 28 later this month, and it is believed he will serve as the backup to a yet-to-be-signed starting guard. The deal also appears to be a positive one for the Lakers as Daniels' minimum-salary contract won’t have an impact on Los Angeles’ projected cap room.
Lakers could fill roster out with a trio of veterans
Despite the impending arrival of Troy Daniels, the Lakers still have a vastly depleted roster that needs filling out. NBA insider Arye Abraham is reporting that the Lakers could add Kyle Korver and Danny Green, while also bringing back Rajon Rondo.
Rondo, 33, spent the 18-19 season with the Lakers, making 46 appearances (29 starts). The point guard averaged 9.2 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game.
Green is coming off a season in which he won the title with the Toronto Raptors, and the 32-year-old is widely considered one of the NBA's best two-way players. During the 18-19 season, Green averaged 10.3 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 45% from three-point range.
Meanwhile, Korver previously linked up with LeBron James with the Cavs and is a career 43% shooter from beyond the arc. The 38-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, although he could be waived by the Jazz in the coming days.
Guess the Lakers players!
