The Los Angeles Lakers might be struggling right now just to get the first win of the season, but the frustrations won't last too long with all the lure of a big-market franchise and large amount money they can spend for the next purple-and-gold superstar.
As the window to sign contract extension eligible players expired on Friday, a number of budding stars were left unsigned and expected to become restricted free-agent next offseason.
From reigning NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs to guard Reggie Jackson of the Oklahoma City Thunder to defensive ace Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls, all of these promising players will be up for grabs in the summer of 2015.
Of course, there will be also plenty of top-notch veterans available in the market, none of them bigger than All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Maybe, it's too early to tell who might end up with the Lakers next summer. However, with the disappointment Lakers nation has been dealing with as of late, it's never too early to give the fans a glimpse of a better future.
Here are the top free-agents up for the taking for Mitch Kupchack and company for the 2015-16 NBA season.
Kawhi Leonard & the Rest of Restricted Free-Agents: It looks like the Spurs might wait until the summer to iron their issue with their promising talent, as both parties to table their talk until the end of the 2014-15 NBA season.
Despite the Spurs' rights to match any contract sheet offered for Leonard next summer, the Lakers can still fleece Spurs by offering an insanely large contract.
As what Leonard's agent stressed, there will be no shortage of suitors Leonard will generate next summerthe Lakers will surely be eager to get their hands on hometown product from Riverside, California.
Aside from Kawhi, Jackson and Butler are also interesting free-agent targets for the Lakers. Although restricted free-agents, Jackson and Butler are much easier to be acquired than Leonard because the Thunder and the Bulls are already committed to several big-contract players and matching a large offer sheet (say around $15M per year) would put them above the salary cap.
Here Comes The Vet: With Kevin Love off the market, LaMarcus Aldridge will be the biggest thing available next summer. Then again, his availability in the market will hinge on the Blazers' performance this year.
If Portland continues its rise in the West, LaMarcus is a lock to stay. If the Blazers suck, then Aldridge can simply bolt out for greener pastures and a chance of playing for a big market ball club.
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