The Lakers are just one win away from fulfilling their aspiration to become NBA champions once again. They lead the series 3-2 and could finish the series in Game 6.
However, L.A. should have put the series to bed in Game 5 itself, as they were on the tail of Heat till the last possession. But Danny Green, who has built a reputation as a sharpshooter over the years, choked on a wide-open three.
It overshadowed LeBron James‘ terrific 40 point triple-double performance and pushed the series to six games. Moreover, Green has struggled to find his touch throughout the playoffs. It has raised many eyebrows around the league and has left fans wondering if the Lakers should sign a bunch of new shooters.
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But the Lakers do not have any valuable trade assets, so they need to test free agency. What players can the Lakers target in the upcoming free agency? Here are the top 3 players that the purple and gold can target.
What players can the Los Angeles Lakers target in upcoming free agency?
Joe Harris (SG) – Brooklyn Nets
The Nets have assembled a dynamic duo, with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant joining forces. However, it means they will take most of the Cap Space for the Nets. 29-year-old Joe Harris will become an unrestricted free agent after this season and will be available in the market.
Harris is a certified three-point specialist in the league as he won the NBA 3-point contest in the 2019-20 season. Harris averaged a steady 14.5 point per game for the Nets while shooting 48.6% from the field and 42.4% from beyond the arc. Lakers can definitely use a player of his caliber on their roster next season.
Jordan Clarkson (SG) – Utah Jazz
Jordan Clarkson was drafted by the Lakers back in the 2014-15 season when L.A. was on the doorsteps of a rebuild. However, the team parted ways with him after 4 seasons and now he has bloomed as a great role player for the Jazz.
Clarkson averaged 15.2 points while knocking 36.8% of his shots from long distance with the Jazz. Moreover, Clarkson came off the bench for the Jazz in all but 2 games in the season. He knows the role the Jazz bought him on the roster and filled it perfectly. The question remains, will the Jazz convince him to stay at the bay or not?
Bogdan Bogdanovic (SG) – Sacramento Kings
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Bogdanovic will become a free agent this season, but he will be restricted. If the Kings can match the offer that any team offers, he should stay at bay. However, the 28-year-old has already proven he is a great asset in today’s league.
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Many teams, including the Lakers, will look for his signature. He averaged 15.1 points while shooting 44% from the field and 34.7% from the 3-point line, respectively. It will be hard to lure him out of the Kings, but if LA can manage that, it could end their shooting struggles from beyond the arc.
These were the 3 shooters that the Lakers should go for in an upcoming free agency. But what do you think? Should the Lakers sign a player among these names or not?