Lakers Rumors: Cheap Options to Pursue in Free Agency
By Jason Reed
James Johnson
James Johnson is a natural power forward, but on the Lakers, would play as a veteran small forward alongside Brandon Ingram. The fact of the matter is that this Luol Deng experiment is not working, and Lakers need to bring in a viable small forward to play alongside Ingram. Johnson is perfect for this, especially considering the length he could sign for.
Look, the Lakers will more likely than not snag up Paul George. He seemingly wants to be a Laker, the Lakers want him to be a Laker, and it is a match made in heaven. However, the team should be patient, should wait one more season for his contract to expire so they don’t need to trade anything away.
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James Johnson is okay with signing a one-year deal, which is evident by his deal with the Heat. Johnson signed a one-year, four million dollar contract with the Heat before this last season.
He has performed very well and likely would ask more money, but the Lakers should not hesitate in paying around nine million for one year of Johnson.
The effect Johnson would have on Ingram would be great, and he would give the Lakers the production they initially signed Luol Deng for.
This season Johnson averaged 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. In similar minutes with Los Angeles, we will more likely than not see similar numbers.
Johnson would serve as the perfect one-year option leading to the eventual signing of Paul George. Although the Lakers may have to pay a little more, with it only being one year it is still cheap.
Next: Trade Packages for Joc Pederson
Overall, these Lakers rumors may not be as polarizing as the superstar ones but play just as big of a role. The Lakers are going to need to bring in role player to succeed, and there are good cheap ones in free agency.