Los Angeles Lakers

5 Dream Targets For Los Angeles Lakers In 2017 NBA Free Agency

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:41 p.m. ET

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The Los Angeles Lakers are again expected to be players during 2017 NBA free agency, although it's unclear if any of these "dream" targets will actually be options for them come July.

For the past few years, the Los Angeles Lakers have been considered one of the top players for big names when the market opens. While that should still be the case during 2017 NBA Free Agency, it's unclear if the Lakers actually stand a chance at signing a star.

Then again, it's unclear if any serious stars will even be available. Most of the top names on the list of possible free agents have player options which they may choose to exercise. Even if they're declined, the odds of them signing new deals to match the ever-increasing salary cap seem rather high.

Still, it doesn't hurt to imagine what could be. The Lakers are looking like a team on the rise with plenty of up-and-coming talent and a fresh new face leading the personnel decisions. If there's anyone who can get this team back on track towards being contenders, it's Magic Johnson.

Jeanie Buss rolled the dice with him, and now it's his turn to deliver results.

With speculation being our only option at this moment, let's take a look at some "dream" targets for the Lakers. I know landing any of these guys would be extremely unlikely, but that doesn't mean we can't play the "what if" game. Just use your imagination, and don't take it too seriously.

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Nerlens Noel, C, Dallas Mavericks

Despite the additions of Timofey Mozgov and Ivica Zubac, the Lakers still have a need a center. Neither seems to be the long-term answer, meaning another starting-caliber talent should be added if Los Angeles plans on regaining its contender status.

Unfortunately, the 2017 free agency class isn't exactly loaded with star centers. In fact, the best options are Greg Monroe and Nerlens Noel. Even then, Monroe is coming off a rough patch in Milwaukee and Noel is very likely to be re-signed by the Dallas Mavericks.

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In this "dream" scenario, let's say the latter makes it to the open market.

Even in that instance, I'm not sure the Lakers would want to spend major bucks to sign Noel. They've already got way too much invested in Mozgov–he's still got three more years and another $48 million on his current deal.

Unless they find someone willing to take on that contract (unlikely), I don't see the Lakers adding another high-price center to the mix.

Still, if a deal ended up working from a financial standpoint, I don't see why the Lakers would pass on Noel. He's a young, high-upside prospect who has flashed serious star power at times.

If he can get healthy and stay there, the Kentucky product will be one of the NBA's best big men in the near future.

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Gordon Hayward, SF, Utah Jazz

Gordon Hayward tends to get overlooked by the average NBA fan, but there's no denying he's a superstar. Maybe it's because he plays for the Jazz? Either way, you better believe he'll have plenty of potential suitors if he becomes a free agent this offseason.

Hayward has a player option in 2017-18, but Utah is sure to do just about everything in its power to retain him. Even in a lineup that includes Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert, Hayward is the clear-cut star of the show.

Letting him walk without at least getting something in return would be a critical blow for the Jazz.

Hypothetically, though, let's say Hayward hits the open market. He wants to test the waters, and see what other teams are willing to hand him a max contract. That's where an opportunity could arise for the Lakers to jump in and coax him into becoming the new face of the franchise.

That is, unless they're set on signing Paul George in 2018.

This move might impact the outlook of Brandon Ingram, but I'm sure the Lakers could make it work. Getting Hayward would immediately upgrade their roster in about all aspects, especially with how versatile of an asset the 26-year-old wing is.

Getting rid of Luol Deng's overpriced contract would also likely be a prerequisite.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Paul, PG, Los Angeles Clippers

The Chris Paul saga, Part 2?

In 2011, the Lakers agreed to a trade that would send Pau Gasol to the Houston Rockets, and Lamar Odom, Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Goran Dragic and a 2012 first-round pick to the (then) New Orleans Hornets, in return for Paul.

Shortly after the team's faithful following began celebrating, the league nixed the deal citing "basketball reasons."

Now, the Lakers have an opportunity to do it all over again. Except in this case, they'd simply be getting Paul via free agency–assuming he declines his player option for 2017-18.

That way, Los Angeles would get their star guard a few years later, but without having to part with significant pieces to get the deal done.

It is worth noting that Paul is 31 years old, but hasn't showed any signs of slowing just yet. He's still one of the best playmakers in the NBA, and offers exceptional defense on the perimeter.

Even with D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, there's no way the Lakers pass on the chance to sign CP3.

Despite his recent rash of injuries, Paul's standing as an elite point guard will easily warrant a max contract. Even then, chances are high he rejoins the Clippers for continuity's sake.

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Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers

If the Lakers can't steal Paul away from their crosstown rivals, why not go for someone else?

In all honestly, I think the addition of Blake Griffin would be better for the Lakers' long-term outlook. Although he's also battled his fair share of recent injuries, he fills a bigger need and appears to have more tread left on his tires.

Griffin is a dominant power forward with outstanding offense and the ability to clean the glass with the best of them. When he's healthy, he's easily among the top big men in the NBA.

Even with Julius Randle on the roster, bringing aboard Griffin would immediately upgrade this Lakers lineup.

Again, like Paul, Griffin has a player option for 2017-18 which he'll likely decline for financial reasons. However, there's also been speculation he could choose to test his value on the open market.

With several teams out there in desperate need of help at power forward, Griffin would be a hot commodity.

Griffin was already considered a potential trade chip leading up to the deadline. The Boston Celtics reportedly made a push (via ESPN's Zach Lowe), but couldn't make a trade happen. Once he hits free agency, you better believe there will be several teams doing everything they can to woo him.

Expect the Lakers to be one of the frontrunners for his services.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Durant, SF, Golden State Warriors

This is a no-brainer, right? If Kevin Durant is actually testing the waters, just about every NBA team with the cap space will be hoping to land a meeting with him. Obviously the Lakers would have to be in the mix.

Los Angeles put their feelers out to Durant last offseason when he was available. However, the elite forward ultimately opted to avoid a meeting with the Lakers, eventually signing with the Golden State Warriors.

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While chances are he signed a deal with a player option for 2017-18 for financial reasons, that doesn't mean he won't see what opportunities are out there come July.

Maybe the Lakers' improved direction is enough to convince him to give LA a long look? Maybe Magic being at the helm will give him enough reason to agree to a meeting? It's a long shot, but it's not completely out of the question.

Especially if Durant wins a ring this year, that itch will be scratched. Then, he could turn his attention to helping one of the NBA's most storied franchises get back to their glory days.

Durant could certainly fill Kobe Bryant's massive shoes, which seem likely to go unfilled for at least another season or two.

Finding the cap space to land Durant would also be difficult. However, if the Lakers could find a way to unload some of their pricier contracts, they could make enough space to accommodate Durant's needs. It's a crazy idea, but you must remember that these are "dream" scenarios.

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