Mike Conley (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Mike Conley and Nicolas Batum could be the pair of free agents the Los Angeles Lakers plan to pursue this summer.
The Lakers are expected to be major players in this year's free agency, with the team eager to transform themselves back into title contention. After drafting Brandon Ingram as a piece that could help in their cause, the Lakers next head to free agency to acquire veterans who could immediately make an impact in LA. Two free agents the Lakers could consider are Mike Conley and Nicolas Batum.
According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, the Lakers are one of the teams interested to sign Conley, who has a chance to join a new team after spending nine seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Houston, New Orleans, Brooklyn and Los Angeles Lakers also interested in Conley, sources say
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) June 30, 2016
Pursuing Conley would raise concerns whether the Lakers are truly committed at the development of D'Angelo Russell and restricted free agent Jordan Clarkson. But considering Conley's numbers, he could be the boost the Lakers need to turn things around in Tinsel town.
Conley averaged 15.3 points and 6.1 assists last season before being sidelined by a mysterious Achilles injury. The 28-year-old would provide the leadership on a young squad and could mentor Russell and Clarkson to become a playmaker.
Meanwhile, Batum could be the more logical option for the Lakers, with LA lacking depth at the wing. According to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, Batum is "mulling over options," which includes a meeting with the Lakers once free agency starts.
Free agent small forward Nicolas Batum mulling over options, including talking with Lakers, source. He's flying from Paris to US tomorrow. — Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 29, 2016
With the Lakers in dire need of a top wing, Batum should be the top choice to fill in the position. Batum put up solid numbers with the Charlotte Hornets last season, averaging 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game, and would seamlessly fit playing under Luke Walton.
Having Conley, a two-way guard, and Batum, a versatile small forward who can play multiple positions, would be a lethal combination for the Lakers on both ends of the floor. And with the Lakers having a projected cap space north of $60 million, it won't be too hard for the team to offer both players max deals they reportedly seek.
However, Conley and Batum, like other veteran free agents, are likely to join a team that has a better shot at winning a championship. Clearly, the Lakers are not expected to immediately become contenders, although two marquee signings could put them on that trend.
The Lakers need all the help they can get to get back on their winning ways. With Kevin Durant and DeMar DeRozan becoming unlikely, Conley and Batum would be a good backup for a splashy signing this summer.
