Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting 3 free agents team will actually sign

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:33 p.m. ET

Fansided, Gil Alcaraz IV/FanSided via Hoops Habit

Los Angeles Lakers

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

When 2017 NBA free agency tips off on July 1, there's a good chance the Los Angeles Lakers will actually try to sign these three players.

It's anyone's guess at this point in the offseason what the Los Angeles Lakers plan on doing during 2017 NBA free agency. However, based on what we've heard from the revamped front office, we at least have a faint idea of what the approach will be.

Obviously the Lakers will be looking to avoid spending big bucks on free agents this offseason. They've begun the process of creating future cap space, presumably with the intent of going all-in next year. There have been rumors of their interest in signing LeBron James and Paul George, who would both require max deals to bring to Los Angeles.

While being frugal is a priority, the Lakers will likely need to make at least a couple of noteworthy moves. This roster is still a work in progress, and doesn't seem ready to compete with the current list of talent. Even depth is an issue at a couple of positions, which will now need to be addressed via free agency with the 2017 NBA Draft in the rear-view mirror.

There's also this insight from new general manager Rob Pelinka, courtesy of Lakers Nation's Serena Winters:

So who could Los Angeles actually sign this offseason? We've already speculated on big names and bargain targets for the Lakers. In this instance, though, I'm predicting free agents who will eventually sign on the dotted line.

So here they are — three players I'm predicting will join the Lakers during 2017 NBA free agency. They may not be splash signings by any means, but they'd address issues and add cheap, capable talent as Los Angeles continues its rebuild.

All salary information courtesy of Spotrac.com.

Los Angeles Lakers

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Omri Casspi, SF, Minnesota Timberwolves

2016-17 Salary: $2,963,814

2016-17 Stats: 5.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.6 SPG, 46.7 FG%, 34.9 3P%

As previously mentioned, Pelinka and the Lakers are focused on making upgrades in the shooting department this offseason. That emphasis was apparent with the team's 2017 draft picks, and should continue to be during free agency.

One cheap option that could give Los Angeles some better shooters off the bench is Omri Casspi. The Israel native has proven to be a reliable weapon on the wing throughout his seven-year NBA career, connecting on 36.7 percent of his three-point shots. Although that's not a wildly impressive number, it's better than anyone currently on the Lakers roster.

What also makes this an interesting fit is the team's lack of depth at small forward. Brandon Ingram figures to start in 2017-18, but Luol Deng is the only realistic backup available. However, he's injury-prone and may not even be around with the Lakers trying to trade away his albatross of a contract.

Casspi, however, would be an ideal option off the bench at small forward. He's an experienced veteran with a reliable jump shot. A broken thumb put a damper on his 2016-17 season, but he should be back to full health at this point. Signing him wouldn't be anything to celebrate, but the Lakers could definitely do worse.

I wouldn't expect him to demand much more on the open market than he earned last year. If that's the case, he's just the cheap depth the Lakers need to round out this roster.

Los Angeles Lakers

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Luc Mbah a Moute, SF, Los Angeles Clippers

2016-17 Salary: $2,203,000

2016-17 Stats: 6.1 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.5 APG, 1 SPG, 50.5 FG%, 39.1 3P%

Even with Casspi now in the mix, the Lakers likely need more help at small forward. Deng is unreliable depth, and Ingram still has plenty of learning to do. While Casspi is a quality shooter off the bench, the Lakers could also use a defensive boost at forward.

Hence, I'm predicting the Lakers add more weapons at the 3-spot with the signing of Luc Mbah a Moute.

The veteran is coming off an exceptional season with the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite never being a real deep threat throughout his eight-year NBA career, he exploded in 2016-17 to the tune of 39.1 percent from three-point range. His career-best before that was only 35.3 percent.

The real highlight with Mbah a Moute, though, is his defensive prowess. He's always been lauded as a defensive-minded forward who can make a large impact on that end of the floor. Seeing as the Lakers were 29th in points allowed per game last season, any sort of defensive upgrade should be welcomed with open arms.

Mbah a Moute is already in Los Angeles, so switching teams would be an easy transition. The Lakers have the space to get him under contract, especially considering his modest salary from a season ago. The UCLA product stays local, gets a small pay increase, and provides the Lakers with an outstanding defensive complement to Ingram.

Los Angeles Lakers

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Darren Collison, PG, Sacramento Kings

2016-17 Salary: $5,229,454

2016-17 Stats: 13.2 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1 SPG, 47.6 FG% 41.7 3P%

Don't get me wrong here. The Lakers are going to give Lonzo Ball every opportunity to take the reins of this offense and lead it into a brighter future. However, that doesn't mean they won't be looking for an experienced veteran option behind him.

While Collison is still a capable starter in this league, I believe he'd love the opportunity to compete with Ball for minutes. Even if the rookie were to start, the Lakers don't have any other realistic point guard options on the roster–the best bet is Jordan Clarkson, who figures to start at shooting guard. Then there's P.J. Dozier, an undrafted rookie who may not even make the final roster.

What I like about the possibility of signing Collison is Los Angeles could get a starting-caliber point guard for well below today's bloated price. The veteran made only $5.2 million with the Kings last season, and realistically shouldn't expect much more than that at the ripe age of 30 (in August). His history of health concerns will also play a role in contract negotiations.

It would make sense for the Lakers to sign him to a two-year deal with a team option in 2018-19. That way, it gives Collison an incentive to prove he belongs, while giving Los Angeles an out if he is no longer worth the cost of admission next season. That way, they don't put themselves in a bind financially come July 2018.

One way or another, the Lakers need an experienced option at point guard this upcoming season. Eventually, Ball will suffer through the growing pains that all 19-year-old NBA rookies do. Collison can be the man to step up and keep this franchise afloat while the No. 2 pick finds his way in this new world.