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Lakers Roundtable: How should the Lakers use their remaining cap space?

By Redan Lopez

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a timeout in the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on April 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a timeout in the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on April 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Thoughts from Hil Lopez

After the 2019 1st and 2nd rounds of the NBA draft, the Los Angeles Lakers approximately have just about $24 million room in cap space to sign new players. They only have a couple of players signed on contracts up to this point which are LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, Anthony Davis (AD), and a couple of young players: Mo Wagner, Jemerrio Jones, and Isaac Bonga.

They will get a couple of players that will contribute through the draft, but the $24 million needs to be distributed wisely in order for the Lakers to be relevant. Based on their needs, it should be distributed as followed in my opinion.

The Lakers should split up the cost among a 3 and D shooter, a floor spacer, and a defensive player. They are listed below as followed:

Danny Green (3 and D)

Danny Green would be a great option for the Lakers. Coming off a NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors, he showed his immense value throughout the playoffs. Green was able to make timely three points shots and also display great defensive chops during the playoffs whether it was on J.J. Redick, Malcolm Brogdon, or Stephen Curry.

Given that he was just paid $10 million and is 32 years of age, he may take a deal worth $8 or $9 million for two to three years with a chance to win a chip with LeBron and AD.

J.J. Redick (Floor Spacer)

J.J. Redick is one of the most efficient shooters in the NBA game today. Although he turned 34 years old this past year, he was able to still average 18 points a game, shoot 39.7% from 3 point range and 44% from the field.

On the court, Redick displays constant movement and on his season with the 76ers, was able to provide much-needed spacing for his teammates: Simmons, Embiid, Harris, and Butler.

Furthermore, Redick is a phenomenal free shooter at 89% for his career. Since he is approaching the tail end of his career, a deal probably in the $8-$9 million range for two years would work best for him and the Lakers.

Patrick Beverley (Defensive Player)

Patrick Beverley is one of the most tenacious defenders you will ever find in the NBA. He is a pit bull and has the ability to get under players skin as shown in the first round these past playoffs against all-world superstar Kevin Durant.

Beverly is not a high volume scorer (only 7.6 pts per game last season), but he has the ability to make timely shots, and dish a couple of dimes each game. Beverly was paid only $5 million last year and should command somewhat of a raise.

The Lakers should try and lock him up for two years with an annual average of at least $7 million.
The Lakers are in the midst of a very important time for their franchise this summer. Their best player has 2-3 good years left and they need to be very conscious of who they add around him in an effort to win a championship before he slows down.

If they are able to add all three players listed above, they will be in good shape for the next few years.

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