Top 5 veteran minimum players LA Lakers can still target
After striking out on all the big names in free agency, the LA Lakers are limited in their options when it comes to roster upgrades. Following LeBron James' max extension, signing players to the veteran's minimum is about all they can offer in free agency.
In the past, the Lakers have managed to have success finding good players for the vet minimum. Free agents understand LA has a lot of eyes on them, and playing well there could result in a bigger deal down the road. Because of this, guys are regularly signing "prove it" deals to play there.
Following their first-round exit in the playoffs last season, the LA Lakers are looking to get back into the title hunt next year.
Here's a look at five players who might be able to aid them on a team-friendly contract.
Players LA Lakers could sign for veteran's minimum
#1. Kyle Lowry
While he's getting up there in age, veteran point guard Kyle Lowry proved last season he still has something left in the tank.
Following his departure from the Miami Heat, Lowry wound up with his hometown Philadelphia 76ers to finish the year. In his time there, he averaged 8.0 points and 4.6 assists while shooting 40% from beyond the arc.
Age and durability might be a factor, but Lowry should certainly be a name on the LA Lakers' radar.
#2. Robert Covington
In today's NBA, teams can never have enough length and shooting. Robert Covington has built an entire career on being a three-and-D wing and could provide similar services to the Lakers.
Covington too spent last season with the Sixers, where he averaged 4.5 ppg and 1.3 spg on league-average shooting from deep. If LeBron were to move back to point guard, LA could deploy a wing-filled lineup that could shoot and defend.
When it comes to productive two-way play on a cheap deal, Covington might be one of the Lakers' best options at this point.
#3. Jae Crowder
Another veteran option on the wing the LA Lakers could consider is Jae Crowder. The journeyman forward provides toughness on the defensive end and is still capable of spacing the floor.
Crowder spent the past year playing alongside the star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard on the Milwaukee Bucks. Across 50 games, he averaged 6.2 ppg while knocking down 35% of his 3s.
Seeing that the Lakers want experienced players around their star duo, Crowder should be a name on their radar.
#4. Reggie Bullock
Following a year where he played a limited role on the Houston Rockets, Reggie Bullock might be a player the Lakers could nab in free agency. He'd be refreshed and provides a key role for them.
Like Covington and Crowder, Bullock has made his living with defense and shooting. He's regularly floated around 40% from deep for his career, making him an instant fit alongside LeBron and Anthony Davis.
With their limited options on the open market, Bullock is a player the Lakers should certainly be targeting.
#5. Justin Holiday
Rounding out this list is Justin Holiday. At 6-foot-6, he can provide more size to the Lakers' lineup at the guard position. Last season for the Denver Nuggets, he averaged 4.0 ppg and shot 40% from deep in a limited role.
Holiday isn't a name that's going to turn the LA Lakers into a contender, but could be a nice addition to the back end of the rotation. He could be a positive on both ends of the floor in limited minutes and can help space the floor with his shooting.