Los Angeles Lakers

Tobias Harris would be strong backup plan for Lakers

Published Jun. 16, 2015 12:38 p.m. ET

foxsports

People aren't really talking about Tobias Harris' impending free agency, but the 22-year-old could attract some big-time suitors this offseason.

Harris will be a restricted free agent come July 1, which means Orlando could hold onto him if it really wanted to, matching any potential deal. But Lakers Nation says that shouldn't stop L.A. from going after the young talent if the Lakers miss out on Kevin Love:

Harris averaged 17.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game this past season.

(H/t to Lakers Nation.)

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

I know everyone is focused on the NBA Draft right now, but free agency isn’t far after that and if the Los Angeles Lakers plan on getting back to playoff contention anytime soon, they need to make an impact there. A lot of names have been mentioned in conjunction with the Lakers, but let’s just be realistic for a moment.

Marc Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge, and DeAndre Jordan are highly unlikely to leave a Western Conference contender for a Lakers team that’s rebuilding and all indications are that any offer sheets signed by Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, and Khris Middleton will be matched by their respective teams.

If Kevin Love is available, the Lakers should throw everything they have at him. Despite a down year, he’s still an All-NBA player and is only 26. But if he is to be taken at his word and stays in Cleveland, where do the Lakers go?

If they’re smart, it will be to Orlando to get Tobias Harris.