The start of the 2022-23 NBA season is right around the corner. Recently, the Los Angeles Lakers added to their roster by reuniting with Dennis Schroder. That’s a steal for the Lakers. Because Schroder is a quick bucket-getter and can provide a spark off the bench. This move certainly adds to the Lakers’ depth. However, there are still a few available big-name free agents that the Lakers could pursue.
Demarcus Cousins
The Lakers already have a past history with Demarcus Cousins. He originally signed a 1-year deal with the organization back in the summer of 2019. However, he tore his ACL during an off-season pickup game and never appeared in a single game for the Lakers. Injuries have been a problem for Cousins dating back to his tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2018. It seems as though Cousins cannot stay healthy. Since leaving the Pelicans, Cousins has played with six different franchises in a four-year span, including the Lakers.
While he’s not the same player that he once was, Cousins can still provide solid production. Especially since the Lakers will be relying heavily on Anthony Davis and Thomas Bryant to provide rebounding. Cousins had a solid short stint with the Denver Nuggets last season. His game improved when the playoffs came around. He shot .667 from the floor while averaging 10.6 ppg. Cousins can add more size, stretch the floor a little bit, and he’ll be cheap. So, the Lakers reuniting with Cousins might not be the worst idea in the world.
Hassan Whiteside
Like Cousins, Hassan Whiteside could add more size to the Lakers roster. He is a bonafide shot blocker and rebounder. Despite leading the league in blocks multiple times, Whiteside is ironically a defensive liability. He’s not a mobile defender. Which makes it easier to expose him in pick-and-roll situations. That is why Whiteside has had a tougher time finding a home long-term. To make matters worse, he’s not a shooting big man. While Whiteside does have some flaws, I don’t think it’ll be that big of an issue. The Lakers were able to make it work their second time around with Dwight Howard.
He was less mobile compared to his earlier playing days. But, Howard was still effective on the floor when he was paired alongside either JaVale McGee or Anthony Davis. Both of which were far more mobile than him and sometimes took the burden off of Howard’s shoulders. The Lakers could do the same thing with Whiteside. Having either Davis or Bryant paired alongside Whiteside could help. Whiteside has led the league in blocks twice and rebounding once. So, getting an extra rim protector could do wonders for the Lakers.
Carmelo Anthony
Now, don’t call me crazy. But I’m willing to bring back Carmelo Anthony back to the Lakers on a 1-year deal. Because, despite his lackadaisical defense, Anthony can provide a spark on the offensive end. Last season he averaged 13.3 ppg while shooting .375 from three-point range in 69 game appearances. Here’s what needs to change for Anthony: his minutes have to be reduced. This past year he averaged 26 minutes per game.
While I’m sure that Anthony doesn’t want to see his role diminish, he would have to for the sake of the team. Because if he were to hypothetically average only 15 minutes per game while maintaining the same shooting numbers, then that could be a big help for the Lakers. Especially since three-point shooting might be an issue for them again this year. I know that the main idea for the Lakers this off-season was to get younger, but I think they have room for one more veteran player.
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