Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers: 5 realistic targets during 2017 NBA Free Agency

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:38 p.m. ET

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Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

When 2017 NBA free agency tips off, the Los Angeles Lakers need to have their sights set on these realistic targets who could actually sign reasonable deals.

This is going to be a big offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers. With a new decision maker at the helm and the No. 2 overall pick in their possession, some big steps forward can be taken in the coming months.

Unfortunately, considering the team's current salary situation, it's unlikely they'll make waves when 2017 NBA free agency begins. We've grown accustomed to the Lakers being in the mix for just about every big name on the market, but that shouldn't be the case in 2017 as Magic Johnson patiently waits to sign Paul George next offseason.

That's why I've decided to take an extended look at some realistic free agent options for the Lakers. They'll be looking to sign some reasonably priced players while making improvements at areas of concern — mainly on the defensive side of the floor. Giving up the third-most points per game simply won't be acceptable next season.

All of the following players will likely be signed to cap-friendly deals this offseason. Although most aren't starting-caliber talents, they'd all bring something to the floor that the Lakers need heading into 2017-18.

So here they are–five realistic targets for the Lakers during 2017 NBA free agency. They might not be the most exciting options, but they'd all be welcomed additions to a Los Angeles roster that needs value right now.

All contract information via Spotrac.com.

Los Angeles Lakers

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5. Dewayne Dedmon, C, San Antonio Spurs

Unrestricted Free Agent
Age: 27
2016-17 Salary: $2,898,000
2016-17 Stats: 5.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 62.2 FG%

As you'll see with the upcoming names on this list, I'm focused on fixing the Lakers defensively — at least off the bench. Dewayne Dedmon fits the mold as a defensive-minded big man who shouldn't cost too much on the open market.

Especially if the Lakers opt to move on from Tarik Black this offseason, Dedmon would be a terrific replacement as a backup center. Even with Timofey Mozgov and Ivica Zubac in the mix, the former Spurs paint protector could bring quality minutes off the bench.

The only problem is his lack of offensive skills. He's not going to put consistent points on the board, but that's not really what Los Angeles needs right now. Instead, they need to improve their defensive efficiency and presence on the glass when the second unit is on the floor. Dedmon more than addresses both of those issues at a reduced price.

Especially if Black isn't back, Dedmon makes plenty of sense. There should be some suitors for the former 2013 undrafted free agent, but a one- or two-year deal at $4-$5 million annually makes sense for the Lakers. As long as he doesn't cost much more than that, he'd be a welcomed addition to this Los Angeles lineup in 2017-18.

Los Angeles Lakers

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4. Patrick Patterson, PF, Toronto Raptors

Unrestricted Free Agent
Age: 28
2016-17 Salary: $6,050,000
2016-17 Stats: 6.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 40.1 FG%

If you just look at his stats, it's easy to think Patrick Patterson is an underwhelming option considering his salary. However, if you watched any significant amount of Toronto Raptors basketball this past season, you'd know why he belongs on this list.

Even with a higher price tag than every other player on this list. Patterson would be worth a short-term investment by the Lakers. He's one of those glue guys who may never be a standout player, but his hard work, tenacity and intangibles make everyone around him that much better.

That's why he's a guy Los Angeles should seriously consider this offseason. He isn't too pricey, as his overall cost shouldn't change much from his previous deal. Assuming that's the case, he'd bring a dependable veteran presence and unquenchable work ethic to the frontcourt. I'm sure youngsters like Julius Randle and Zubac could learn a thing or two from him.

Especially with Thomas Robinson unlikely to return, the Lakers need to replace the lost depth at power forward. While Patterson would cost much more than Thomas did last year, his presence would be worth the price of admission — especially if Black is shown the door.

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3. Willie Reed, C, Miami Heat

Unrestricted Free Agent
Age: 27
2016-17 Salary: $1,015,696
2016-17 Stats: 5.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.7 BPG, 56.8 FG%

Regardless of what happens with Black, the Lakers need more options at center. I'm confident Ivica Zubac will develop into a quality starter, but he's not there yet. As for Timofey Mozgov, I wouldn't be surprised if Magic found a way to unload his contract in the not-so-distant future.

That's where an asset like Willie Reed could be of use. The career backup had a breakout year of sorts with the Miami Heat this past season, shining when given the opportunity to see significant minutes behind Hassan Whiteside.

After declining his player option earlier this offseason, he stated he wanted to re-sign with Miami (via the Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman). However, he's not going to be their top priority when the market opens and may not be willing to come back at a reduced price to be the Heat's backup center. Maybe an opportunity to earn starts with the Lakers would be more appealing.

Reed would be no long-term answer down low for Los Angeles. But if they can convince him to come to Hollywood for a reasonable price, he'd be well worth the investment. He's a cheaper alternative to Black, who brings a more stable presence on the defensive end of the court.

Sounds like a win-win to me.

Los Angeles Lakers

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2. Thabo Sefolosha, SF, Atlanta Hawks

Unrestricted Free Agent
Age: 33
2016-17 Salary: $3,850,000
2016-17 Stats: 7.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 44.1 FG%

Now it's time to turn away from the big men and focus on the wing. While Brandon Ingram has limitless potential, it's still relatively untapped and may take some more time to be fully realized. Why not add a proven veteran to provide the youngster with some support?

Thabo Sefolosha isn't exactly a free agent worth raving about. He's spent most of his 11 NBA seasons serving solely in a defensive role. The most points he's averaged in a year is 7.8 per game, providing further evidence to the fact that he's not much of an offensive threat. And yet, the talent he brings on the defensive end can't be questioned, even at 33 years of age.

During the 2016-17 season, Sefolosha earned the 11th-best defensive rating in the NBA (via Basketball Reference). That's the type of effectiveness the Lakers need moving forward. If it means paying more than the $3.9 million he made with the Atlanta Hawks a season ago, then so be it.

One way or another, the Lakers must get better on defense next year. While Sefolosha is limited offensively, he'd be a big-time difference maker on the wing. Coupling him with Ingram at small forward would give Los Angeles a well-rounded approach at the position.

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1. Jonathon Simmons, SF, San Antonio Spurs

Restricted Free Agent
Age: 27
2016-17 Salary: $874,636
2016-17 Stats: 6.2 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 42 FG%

Here's another way for the Lakers to steal a Spur.

Realistically, a change of scenery would be best for Jonathon Simmons as he's spent the last couple of years playing in the shadow of Kawhi Leonard. He'll get his opportunity this offseason, especially since the Spurs likely don't have the cap space to match many offers.

While the Lakers don't have a ton of money to spend, adding Simmons would be worth the risk. He's an underrated player who's been hindered by limited playing time and opportunities. However, if he were to take his talents elsewhere, he could emerge as a legitimate playmaker for a number of teams.

We saw flashes of what he could do during the 2017 NBA Playoffs. When Leonard went down and Simmons was thrust into a starting role, he made the most of his opportunity. In San Antonio's Game 2 loss to the Golden State Warriors, he put up 22 points while earning the praise of head coach Gregg Popovich. Those few performances likely made him some money this offseason.

Either way, the Lakers need to be interested. He's more than worthy of significant minutes in Los Angeles, even if Paul George enters the mix next year.

It's not going to be easy securing Simmons' talents when free agency begins. However, if the price doesn't get too high for the restricted free agent, I could see the Lakers entering the mix due to his underrated skills and need for a fresh start. That is, if the Spurs even let him get away.