Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum. (Photo : Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers target Nicolas Batum reportedly wants to stay with the Charlotte Hornets next season as he prepares to represent his home country of France in the 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament this July.
The 27-year-old French wingman is set to become an unrestricted free agent this July as he ends his four-year, $46.1 million deal that the Hornets have acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers when he was traded to the former last summer.
Rumors abound that the Lakers are setting their sights on the 6-foot-8 point forward as the Hollywood squad tries to fill the void left by their now retired superstar Kobe Bryant at the no. 3 spot.
Lakers Nation indicated that Los Angeles is "going to attempt to woo the top players on the market" during the upcoming free-agency period primarily to fill their "positions of need", namely the center and small forward spots.
The report said that if a Kevin Durant deal will not push through, Batum will be their second option at the wing.
However, it also mentioned that Batum "isn't particularly keen on leaving" Charlotte and he is anticipated to immediately "agree to terms" with his mother club as soon as he becomes a free agent this July.
It expected for the eight-year pro to feel that way because he had just played his best season with the Hornets this 2015-2016, leading them to a playoff appearance after a year of absence in the postseason.
Batum averaged career-best numbers in points and assists with 14.9 and 5.8 while also putting up 6.1 boards per game, his career second-best rebounding average, in 35 minutes of playing time a night.
Head coach Steve Clifford really did a great job in giving the Lisieux, France native all the opportunities to shine in Charlotte and the player allegedly wants to maximize his stay in the city.
Meanwhile, Bleacher Report noted that Batum will be able to participate in the Olympic Qualifiers to be held in the Philippines from July 4 to 10. France is included in Group B with New Zealand and the Philippines in the Manila leg of the tournament.
His representatives were said to be initially worried about the conflict in schedule of his renewal of contract to the timing of the competitions, but the Hornets management were adamant that they are keen on bringing him back to Charlotte next season.
