DeMar DeRozan (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are poised for big-name hunting this offseason, but in case doesn't work out in their favor again, there are still few under-the-radar free-agents worth pursuing for this franchise - one of which is Joakim Noah.
According to Bleacher Report Los Angeles writer Kevin Ding, his vision of the Lakers' dream team for next season includes D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and free-agent targets Kevin Durant and Al Horford.
Of course, he's very much aware it would take a lot for the Lakers to snatch Durant from established contenders like Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and even his current team, the OKC Thunder. Horford, on the other hand, will generate massive interest in the free-agent market. The Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and New York Knicks have their eyes on the crafty banger and are willing to pay more than 20 million per year for his service.
Joakim Noah - Realistic Target:
Ding believes the Lakers have better shot at acquiring an under-the-radar free-agent like Noah. Coming off a nasty shoulder injury that put him on the sideline in his contract year, the Lakers must seize the opportunity of grabbing a high-intensity player like Noah, who will come cheaper than his supposed market value.
Noah is just two seasons removed from a career year in 2014, when he won the Defensive Player of the Year and got selected to All-NBA and All-Defensive first team. While Noah may no longer be that defensive demon on the shaded lane, he can still make a big impact with his activity on the floor, not to mention he's always a great locker room presence for younger players.
Another potential target for the Lakers is native DeMar DeRozan. Ding thinks the former USC standout could come home and step up as the heir to his childhood idol Kobe Bryant. DeRozan will ask for max deal, but based on the stats he's putting up this year (23.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 3.9 apg) he's worth every penny of it.
Luke Walton Situation:
The Lakers are one of at least four teams likely to target Luke Walton as their next head coach. According to New York Post writer Marc Beerman, the Lakers will be competing with the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and New York Knicks for the service of Walton, who guided the Warriors to its best start (24-0) in franchise history in lieu of injured coach Steve Kerr.
