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REPORTS: Lakers in Contention to sign Warriors Legend

Published 08/01/2021, 4:55 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The 2021 NBA Free Agency has officially arrived. And with the Lakers already making a big acquisition via trade for Russell Westbrook, all eyes are on the LakeShow to see how Pelinka rounds off this roster for the coming season. While the trade for Westbrook answers a few of L.A’s roster gaps last season, shooting woes remain their biggest concern.

Focusing on surrounding their latest Big 3 with pure shooters and dominant bigs to round out the roster, Pelinka must act quick, aiming to nab veteran knock down 3-pt shooters for minimum contracts. Given their 10 open roster spots Pelinka has to get creative, given the Lakers cap-space.

For instance, L.A. now seems to be in the mix to acquire aging Heat unrestricted free agent Andre Iguodala this free agency. But, it may not come as a surprise to Laker fans, once they realise who Iggy’s former representative was!

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Lakers pursuing Andre Iguodala

Miami, having declined Iguodala‘s team option for the 2021-22 season worth $ 15-million look to move on from the veteran forward. The 2021 season was quite rough for the former champion, as he only averaged 4.4pts/3.5reb/2.3ast a game, shooting the basketball at 38.3% from the field and 33% from 3.

While Iguodala is by no measure the same player who won Finals MVP in 2015, he fits the veteran minimum requirements the Lakers have to offer. This may also be a likely acquisition, considering that Rob Pelinka was his former agent.

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However, contrary to the common notion that he would be a great fit this season, all Iguodala has to offer is championship experience. And on a roster with 10x conference and 4x champion LeBron James, it isn’t a deal breaker by any measure.

USA Today via Reuters

In conclusion, with the Purple and Gold primed to attract a high volume of veteran interest on vet-minimum deals, Iggy may not be the best answer for a team who is zeroed in on 3&D acquisitions this free agency.

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Watch this story –  NBA Rumors: “Strong Disagreement” Within Lakers Organization on Russell Westbrook Trade 

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Written by:

Nikhil Naik

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Nikhil Naik is an NBA writer at EssentialySports. Having completed his bachelor's degree in Hospitality, he has worked with the Indian Hotels Company Limited, at the Taj in Mumbai. Nikhil has been playing basketball since 2014.
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