Five potential super stars who can be a Laker in 2016-17 season

carmelo anthony

Carmelo Anthony 

Kobe Bryant retiring is the biggest story of the Lakers season. With Kobe leaving, it may open up doors for marquee free agents to sign with Lakers. A blockbuster trade might be around the corner to bring stardom to Los Angeles. There are several players who are interested in representing the Lakers and there are few who are not so happy at their present home. So that leaves us to wonder which superstar would be a Laker next season.The backcourt is well set for Los Angeles Lakers, but they could definitely use some help at the front court. Inspite of Juilius Randle emerging to be a solid/ star forward for the Lakers, they would need more depth at the position. Larry Nance Jr. has passed the eye test and he is proving his worth playing solid basketball. There are several options to bolster the front court and make Lakers a contender in the west during the summer of 2016.

#5 Carmelo Anthony

carmelo anthony

Carmelo Anthony

With Bryant retiring, Lakers need a superstar and high scoring veteran in the squad. Who fits the bill more than Carmelo Anthony. With Phil’s plan for Knicks falling part, one could only wonder what Melo would do. He is not getting any younger and a player of his caliber would love to play for a championship contender.

This could very well end up being a rumour which does not materialize. But Carmelo has mentioned that he never ruled out Lakers. He likes the spotlight and being a consistent and pure scorer he is, the Lakers would give a lot to get him on board. Also, Knicks have made it clear that they are building a team for the future. This means it would be a long time before the veteran can start competing for a championship.

And for Anthony, his clock it ticking and he should start playing for a championship team sooner he can. With that being said, Melo suiting up for the Lakers would mean that LA Lakers have a team set for competing for the championship next season. He would be the last piece of the puzzle if he chooses to run with Lakers.

#4 Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal driving past KD

Beal has missed 21 games this season because a shoulder injury, a stress reaction in his right fibula and a concussion. This is hurting the Wizards long term plans and trading the injury prone guard for some value is an option. There may be a situation where the team can refuse to sign the player during the free agency.

Lakers can find a role for Beal if they end up trading one of their young guards in pursuit of a big man. It was not too long ago the Lakers were trading for D Cousins and Kings would want the best offer from Lakers to send Cousins to Los Angeles.

When such a situation arises, Beal would be a reasonably priced solid guard to fill the much required backcourt spot in Laker line up.But stranger things have happened in the past, it may end up as a simple free agent signing for Lakers to get Beal to play in Los Angeles.

#3 Al Horford

Al Horford

Al Horford has been one of the team's best and most reliable players throughout his nine-year career, all of which he has spent with the Hawks. However, with him hitting the free agency market this offseason, Atlanta is listening to trade offers for the former All-Star. With NBA trade deadline on February 18 behind us, Horford is expected to explore free agency this summer.

Although he doesn’t have the upside of Andre Drummond, Horford has tremendous value based on his ability to play power forward and center. It is still a long shot for the Lakers, but this season will count as their sales pitch for the free agents. If the players see the Lakers as a potential winning team with their young talent, the other factors (bigger market, weather) will come into play.

#2 Andre Drummond

Andre Drummond

Unlike KD, Andre Drummond will be a restricted free agent this summer. The chances of him playing for Lakers are slim compared to KD and other free agents this summer. But it should also be noted that Drummond has not signed an extension yet.

This would help the Pistons to take $ 13 million cap space to free agency before agreeing to a multi-year maximum deal with Andre during the middle of next season.

But also, this could end up being a steal if Lakers successfully lure the big man to Los Angeles. Because when the Lakers come calling, you answer the call. This would mean he would be matched up with the young trio of Russell, Clarkson and Randle along with a marquee free agent from the summer.

And also don't forget the top 3 lottery pick from the draft next season. This would immediately translate championships in the Laker land.

#1 Kevin Durant

kevin durant

Kevin Durant, being wooed to the Lakers

There's a rumor that the Lakers are trying to bring OKC superstar Kevin Durant to the team once he becomes a free agent. The LA Lakers have been the home for some of the biggest stars in National Basketball Association history, but can the team continue that trend by landing Kevin Durant this summer.

Durant has not given a solid indication on what he plans to do during the upcoming free agency period. If the Oklahoma City Thunder fail to win the title, or even reach the Finals, it would really make KD consider free agency.

After reaching the NBA Finals in 2012, they have struggled badly for the past three seasons. The Lakers have cap space for two max players. They can lure Durant by saying he can handpick any other free agent he wants to play with, and the Lakers can still sign him. Think Russell Westbrook and KD playing for Lakers with the young core already in place.

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Edited by Staff Editor