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Now that Kobe Bryant is retired and his bloated contract is no longer on the books, the Los Angeles Lakers are ready to begin a new era with a plethora of money to spend. The Lakers probably won’t be able to lure Kevin Durant to Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean they can’t fortify their roster in free agency this summer. To do so, the Lakers should focus on landing two of the following five players.
5. SG - DeMar DeRozan
Credit: Getty Images5. SG - DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan is the second-most dominant scorer available in free agency, and the Compton native has expressed a desire to play in his home city. This one is a no-brainer.
4. C - Hassan Whiteside
Credit: Getty Images4. C - Hassan Whiteside
I totally understand that signing a guy like Hassan Whiteside -- who is said to have an attitude problem -- would be a risky move for a young team. With that said, the Lakers desperately need a rim protector, and Whiteside is the best one available.
3. SF - Nicolas Batum
Credit: Getty Images3. SF - Nicolas Batum
Nicolas Batum was phenomenal with the Hornets this season, averaging 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Versatile wings like Batum don't grow on trees, and his veteran leadership makes him particularly valuable to a young team.
2. SF - Chandler Parsons
Credit: Getty Images2. SF - Chandler Parsons
Despite having a solid player option with the Mavericks next season, Chandler Parsons is expected to decline and test the waters in free agency. Parsons was injured a ton this season, but he can still score with the best wings in the league.
1. C - Joakim Noah
Credit: Getty Images1. C - Joakim Noah
Signing an offensive-minded center like Al Horford simply doesn't make sense for the Lakers. If they're unable to ink the aforementioned Hassan Whiteside, they should focus on landing Joakim Noah, assuming team doctors feel he's healthy enough.
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