4 Free Agents the Lakers Should Sign for the Veteran Minimum

The Los Angeles Lakers haven't done anything so far this offseason other than bring back the same roster from a season ago. They re-signed LeBron James and Max Christie while D'Angelo Russell, Cam Reddish, Christian Wood, and Jaxson Hayes opted into their player options. The stupidity of the decision to give all of these players a player option aside, the Lakers currently have 14 players on the roster. However, they will likely trade a couple of players as they try to improve the roster for next season.

This will open up roster spots for the Lakers. Since they are severely restricted financially, the Lakers will have to fill out those spots with veterans on minimum contracts. Fortunately for them, there are still plenty of free agents available on the market who would be willing to come to Los Angeles on a minimum deal. Let's take a look at the best options out there.

Gordon Hayward, SF

The 34-year-old small forward has been away from the spotlight for the past couple of years. He was with the Charlotte Hornets for 3.5 years before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder mid-season last year. He wasn't able to crack the playoff rotation for the deep and talented OKC team but his path to playing time would be more open in Los Angeles.

Hayward obviously has some injury and age-related concerns. He doesn't have the same athleticism he had in his younger days but that's why he would be signing for the minimum contract. He still has good size, shooting and passing ability, and a high basketball IQ. He is worth a flyer for the Lakers.