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3 Free Agents that Lakers Could Pair With LeBron James After 2020

By Tyler Kemp

LeBron James and the Lakers will be looking at ways to improve the team going into next season via free agency
LeBron James and the Lakers will be looking at ways to improve the team going into next season via free agency / Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

All three times LeBron James left for a new city in free agency, management has always made sure to construct a team around him that can compete for championships. Going into year three of the Lakers experiment in 2020-21, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka will once again be tasked with putting together a winning roster around LeBron in order to stay in pole position out West. With that in mind, let's identify three guys that could enhance the Lake Show's title hopes in free agency.

3. G/F Evan Fournier

LeBron James swatting the ball away from Evan Fournier in a Lakers-Magic matchup
LeBron James swatting the ball away from Evan Fournier in a Lakers-Magic matchup / Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Teams that are built around LeBron need guys that are able to create their own shots, especially since he isn't getting any younger. Out in Orlando over the past six seasons, Fournier has developed into that kind of player. Fournier will not be the first name jumping off the page when looking at free agents, but averaging close to 19 points per game on better than 40% from deep are numbers that could intrigue LA, which is a bit too light in the long-range shooting department. He has a player option for the 2020-2021 season, but don't be surprised if he opts out to seek a better situation than Orlando.

2. F Danilo Gallinari

James driving to the basket while being guarded by Gallinari
James driving to the basket while being guarded by Gallinari / Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Similar to Fournier, Gallo can also create for himself off the bounce or spot up on the perimeter. What makes this fit even better is that he is 6-foot-10. Gallinari made a name for himself out in OKC this past season, and could command a lot of money on the open market that the Thunder would not want to pay up. If LA can make the right moves to clear space, an underrated Gallinari-LeBron connection could realize itself.

1. F Carmelo Anthony

LeBron and Carmelo matching up against each other in 2018 when Anthony was playing for Houston
LeBron and Carmelo matching up against each other in 2018 when Anthony was playing for Houston / Harry How/Getty Images

Before going to Portland, it was rumored that Melo could be paired up with his draft classmate/banana boat buddy earlier this season. Negotiations fell through, but Anthony will be a free agent once again when the season ends. Given that the duo has already played together in Olympics and has a deep connection off the court, LeBron and Melo could join forces at a bargain deal for LA next season that won't put them in a difficult position against the cap.