3 Free Agents the Lakers Need to Avoid This Offseason

Barring some surprising players choosing to leave, the Los Angeles Lakers will not have much cap space to spend in the 2020 offseason. Anthony Davis is going to net a massive contract, and role players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and JaVale McGee have sizeable player options for 2021.

When searching the bargain bin this NBA offseason, the LeBron James and the Lakers should avoid these three players if they want to maximize their roster.

3. Kyle Korver

Kyle Korver is one of the most respected veterans in the league, a former LeBron teammate, and an unrestricted free agent after this season ends. Korver has still been solid on the Milwaukee Bucks this season at age 38, shooting 41.5% from three, but he would not have the same success on the Lakers. The Bucks' five-out offense gives sharpshooters tons of opportunities to get open looks, while the Lakers play a slower and more isolation-based game. The aging Korver's skill set isn't built for that kind of style.

2. Andre Roberson

Andre Roberson hasn't appeared in an NBA game since January, 2018, when he suffered a vicious left knee injury. Health concerns will definitely make him affordable as an unrestricted free agent, but even if he looks ready to roll, the Lakers should avoid signing him. The jury was still out on whether or not Roberson was a net-positive player before he went down. He's a lockdown defender, but 25.7% career shooting from three is not acceptable from an NBA wing in 2020.

1. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony put up 15.3 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game on the Portland Trail Blazers this year at age 35. Those are impressive stats for a veteran, but Anthony just doesn't fit with the Lake Show. Other than the banana boat connection with LeBron, there is little reason to sign this unrestricted free agent. He's a defensive sieve who's struggled to succeed in an off-ball role in the NBA. Melo just isn't what the Lakers need.