Nicolas Batum could be the perfect free agent signing for the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, but there is a growing sense the versatile forward could choose to join contenders than a rebuilding team.
Batum, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, could be the "most ideal fit" free agent for the Lakers, with the team in need of a quality wing to fill the small forward spot.
With Batum's skillset, there is no denying he is one of the most-coveted free agents at that position, but Jabari Davis of Basketball Insiders believes the Frenchman, like other veteran free agents, is inclined to join contenders to "immediately win."
"Nicolas Batum will be a restricted free agent this summer and would probably be the most ideal fit for the Lakers from a skill set and age perspective, but like fellow veteran free agents Ryan Anderson and Marvin Williams, Batum appears most likely to seek a situation in which he can immediately win," Davis wrote.
With Kevin Durant becoming unlikely for the Lakers, Batum would certainly be an intriguing alternative for LA to pursue. After struggling in his final season with the Portland Trail Blazers, Batum seemed to have found his old niche with the Charlotte Hornets in the past season, averaging 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. His versatility would be exactly what Luke Walton needs in a potential small-ball lineup and up-tempo offense for the Lakers.
While the Lakers have yet to show a genuine interest in signing Batum, SB Nation's Chinmay Vaidya is convinced the Lakers should make a strong run at singing the 27-year-old small forward.
"The Lakers should pursue Batum hard in free agency," Vaidya wrote. "The Lakers might not want to offer a maximum contract, but somewhere in the $16-18 million range would be a steal. Even at a max contract, Batum would be well worth the money."
However, in a report from the official website of FIBA, Batum is expected to "quickly agree" to terms on a new deal with the Hornets as it would allow him to take part at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila next month. Nevertheless, the Lakers should still be one of the many teams to immediately pitch for Batum once the market opens.