LA Sports Hub
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: Three better free agents that should’ve been signed

By Jason Reed

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: Nerlens Noel #4 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during media day on September 26, 2016 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: Nerlens Noel #4 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during media day on September 26, 2016 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Tyreke Evans

  • Better signing than Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

I get why the Los Angeles Lakers re-signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and what the team is looking for out of him. First and foremost, there is familiarity there. The Lakers know exactly what the team is going to get out of KCP and he is already accustomed to the lifestyle in LA and the coaching of Luke Walton.

Plus, it helps that he is represented by the same agency that represents LeBron James, Klutch Sports Group. While that may not be the sole reason the team re-signed him, it definitely is a contributing factor.

Regardless, the team re-signed KCP to be the three and D player in the starting lineup. And while he will be okay in that role, the Lakers could have done better elsewhere in Tyreke Evans.

Evans ended up signing with the Indiana Pacers for one-year, $12.4 million. The Lakers paid KCP $12 million for one year, so the salary situations are not all that different.

Evans is a bit of a swiss army knife that can run the point, be a two guard or even line up at forward for LA. Not only would that versatility help, he is good both on and off the ball and is no slouch on the defensive end.

And Evans shot better from beyond the arc last season. Evans shot 39.9 percent from three on a career-high 5.5 attempts per game. Caldwell-Pope shot 38.3 percent in 5.6 attempts per game.

Home/Los Angeles Lakers