NBA Rumors: 3 Free Agents that are being linked with the Los Angeles Lakers

The 2019 playoffs have thrilled the basketball world for the last 3 weeks, however, the Los Angeles Lakers have once again been forced to watch from the sidelines. Despite adding LeBron James during 2018 free agency, the Lakers failed to secure a postseason berth for a sixth straight year, and both Luke Walton and Magic Johnson have since exited the franchise.

Yet, the Lakers are expected to make major additions to the roster in the coming months, with the team having around $35 million available in cap space. This gives the Lakers the room to sign an All-Star free agent to a max-contract, and here are three of the stars being linked with a move to Los Angeles.

#3 Kyrie Irving

Milwaukee Bucks v Boston Celtics - Game Four

The Boston Celtics are on the verge of being eliminated from the 2019 postseason, and it appears more likely than ever that Kyrie Irving will leave the team this summer. The point guard has received much criticism for his recent performances, and some members of the Celtics locker room are believed to have been irked by his recent negative comments.

Irving has been linked with a move to both the Nets and Knicks in free agency, although Eric Pincus of Bleacher Reports believes that the Lakers could still secure his long-term future:

The Lakers should be considered a threat, assuming Irving wants to get the team back together after requesting to be traded away from James, Lue and the Cavaliers in 2017.

Irving acknowledged that he made mistakes and failed to see the bigger picture in Cleveland, focusing instead on stats and All-Star teams. Perhaps Irving doesn't mind being Robin to LeBron's Batman again.

Over the course of the regular season, Irving averaged 23.8 points, 6.9 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game.

#2 Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler could link up with LeBron James this summer

Despite the doubts of some executives around the NBA, Jimmy Butler has continued to perform at an All-Star level during his six months in Philadelphia. The 29-year-old averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game over 55 regular season games and the Sixers are believed to be keen to tie him to a new long term deal this summer.

However, according to Howard Beck of Bleacher Report, Butler is considering committing his future to the Lakers:

Rival executives will tell you, without hesitation, that Durant is bound for the Knicks; that Irving is likely to join him; that Leonard likes the Clippers; that Butler might choose the Lakers

Butler has continued to perform well in the playoffs, although Philadelphia look set for an early exit at the hands of the Toronto Raptors. Butler will turn 30 this summer, and many view this as his final chance to secure a max deal.

#1 Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker has impressed for the Charlotte Hornets

For the third time in a row, Kemba Walker is entering the offseason following the best campaign of his career. However, this season is different as Walker is entering free agency, and many around the league view Walker as a potential game changer.

With the Lakers known to be looking to add a new point guard this summer, Gabe Zaldivar of Forbes is reporting that Walker remains a strong contender:

With $35.4 million possibly available this summer, the Lakers are a kid with abundant birthday money but nowhere to spend it. This is where Kemba Walker comes in, a 28-year-old guard who is as near elite as secondary superstars come in 2019. With a Davis deal looking grim and no other help coming in from upper-echelon players, someone like Walker is the perfect prolific scorer to shoulder some of the load from James’ shoulders.

During an excellent individual season, Walker averaged 25.6 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game, however, his efforts were not enough to secure a playoff berth for the Hornets.