The Los Angeles Lakers will have almost $60 million in salary cap space this offseason, enough to offer two max contracts with ample space left over. If ever there was a time for the Lakers to land a franchise cornerstone in the post-Kobe Bryant era, it's now. We've heard recently that they may try to trade for Indiana Pacers star Paul George and possibly target Golden State Warriors restricted free agent Harrison Barnes this summer. However, they'll also need to continue filling out the rest of their roster with quality non-max players.
That is why the Lakers may continue to try and pilfer from the Warriors in free agency. As of now, L.A. does not have a center under contract for the 2016-17 season. Enter Warriors restricted free agent Festus Ezeli.
According to a recent report, L.A. apparently has "interest" in the 26-year-old center. The fit makes sense, as the Lakers just hired Warriors assistant Luke Walton as their new head coach. He'll take over once Golden State's season is over.
Ezeli may not be a star, but he's shown off a ton of potential in his four years in the NBA. If he manages to stay healthy, he could increase his numbers and improve his productivity with more playing time. Playing behind Andrew Bogut in Golden State, Ezeli averaged a career high in minutes this past season at just 16.7 per game. Imagine what the long athletic big man could do with more playing time.
However, Ezeli has struggled with knee injuries during his short career, appearing in just 46 games this past season. Of the 328 regular season games over the last four years, Ezeli has played in just 170 of them. The upside is there, but so is the risk. Los Angeles must balance the two out if they decide to pursue him in free agency.
The Warriors hope to be able to match potential offer sheets for both Barnes and Ezeli. However, Barnes is expected to receive max offers, and a deal worth around $50 million over three years for Ezeli may be too expensive for Golden State to match.
"Obviously there are health issues you're worried about," one general manager said. "So I don't think you'd want to go beyond three years. But he still has a lot of upside and he can get better in a bigger role."
Ezeli averaged 7.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks this season.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
