Los Angeles Lakers: Three players the Lakers should avoid signing this season

#2 Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal has been linked with the Lakers over the past year

Bradley Beal is quickly developing into one of the NBA's best shooting guards, and the Washington Wizards star will once again put up huge numbers this season due to the absence of John Wall. The Wizards remain eager to tie Beal down to a new deal, although the 26-year-old has yet to respond to his offer of a new max extension.

Beal has also been linked with a trade due to Washington's inability to compete, and the Lakers are among the teams that have been linked with the guard over the past year. LA can complete a trade for the two-time All-Star but would have to give up the likes of Danny Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and JaVale McGee. Due to Beal's value, the Lakers would also have to send several future picks to Washington, and should instead focus on developing Kyle Kuzma into a third star.

#1 J.R. Smith

J.R. Smith is a free agent after being waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this summer

J.R. Smith is currently a free agent after being waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this summer, and talk of a reunion with LeBron James refuses to go away. The experienced duo spent four seasons together in Cleveland and LeBron is believed to be a big admirer of his former teammate.

In their final season together with the Cavs, Smith averaged 8.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. However, after LeBron left for the Lakers last summer, Smith once again caused controversy by criticizing the team - and was subsequently benched for almost the entire season.

Admittedly, Smith still has the talent to help a contending team, although the Lakers have enough backcourt options that they don't need to take a risk on the often outspoken and controversial 33-year-old.