Luol Deng (Photo : REUTERS)
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchack made his intention clear from the start that acquiring elite free-agents will be his priority this offseason. But aside from big-contract free-agents that will eat a lot from their cap space, long-time Lakers beat writer Kevin Ding provided three under-the-radar studs that will surely infuse talent to the purple-and-gold but could come out cheap on the free-agency market.
The Los Angeles Lakers may have already locked their sight on the big prize this free-agency summer, yet there are still several under-the-radar free-agents out there that could end up as smart investments for the purple-and-gold.
Kevin Ding of Bleacher Reports enumerated potential incoming free-agents whose names might not be as flashy as max-money eligible players like LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love or Rajon Rondo but can put up solid numbers in a consistent basis.
Luol Deng - According to the Lakers beat writer, former two-time All-Star Luol Deng comes first on his mind with regards to potential under-radar signees this offseason.
Deng, who isn't producing the same kind of numbers he used to provide during his time with the Chicago Bulls, remains a very intriguing free-agent for Ding, because of his defensive upside and versatility that would fit well into Byron Scott's system.
The Sudan-Born swingman averaged 14.0 points and 5.2 rebounds in 33.6 minutes in the first of two-year deal with the Heat. Many basketball insiders are expecting Deng to opt out from the second year of his deal that pays him roughly $10 million and test the free-agency market.
Wes Matthews - Another intriguing under-the-radar prospect Ding thinks the Lakers should explore is Portland Trail Blazers swingman Wesley Matthews, who was on the verge of a big pay day this summer before a torn Achilles tendon shortened his season and ruined his big free-agency plans. But despite the injury, Ding believes the Lakers should take a closer look at Matthews' situation because of the fact he's proven scorer when healthy. Acquiring him at a bargain price and a bonus-incentive contract isn't a crazy of a deal for a high-risk, high-reward stud.
Kosta Koufos - Last but not the least, Ding brought up the name of Memphis Grizzlies center Kosta Koufus. The 6-foot-11 power forward/center has been one of the most under-rated big men in the league, as he puts up 5.3 points and 5.5 boards in 16 minutes of playing time.
Ding even believed that among the three listed under-the-radar prospects, the Lakers might have the biggest chance of landing Koufus, who appears ready to come out of the shadow of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol.
