Perfect Lakers Free Agent Target Now Officially Available

With the NBA Draft and the start of free agency just around the corner, the Los Angeles Lakers are entering one of the most pivotal weeks of the year. They have to upgrade their roster ahead of the 2024-25 season to give LeBron James a team capable of making another deep postseason run. They have limited financial resources to do so, therefore they can't afford to make any mistakes in free agency and the trade market.

Fortunately for them, a new name entering unrestricted free agency should intrigue the Lakers front office. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Caleb Martin of the Miami Heat is declining his player option for next season and is testing free agency.

"Regarding free agency, Miami Heat swingman Caleb Martin is expected to decline his $7.13 million player option and enter unrestricted free agency for a bigger payday this summer, league sources told HoopsHype. "

- Mike Scotto, HoopsHype

Martin is exactly the type of player the Lakers need. He is playoff-tested as he has appeared in 45 postseason games in Miami over the last three seasons. He plays both ends of the floor, guards multiple positions, and provides physicality, athleticism, and intensity.

Early in his career, Martin's three-point shot was a question mark but he has turned himself into a respectable threat from downtown, having hit 36.8% over the last three years. He can drive and attack the rim when he has the ball, but he doesn't need the ball to be effective. He is an ideal fit as the third frontcourt option next to LeBron and Davis.

How competitive of an offer the Lakers can make to Martin will depend on what happens to D'Angelo Russell and his free agency, as well as what the Lakers do on the trade market.

Martin will have better offers out there paying him in eight figures per year for multiple seasons, but if he prioritizes being on a good team and being in Los Angeles, the Lakers should go after him aggressively in free agency.

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