The Los Angeles Lakers are planning to cast a wide net in free agency this summer that could extend well outside their much publicized pursuits of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.
In the event they can’t land either of those superstars, ESPN reports the Lakers are also showing strong interest in Toronto’s Kyle Lowry, Detroit’s Greg Monroe, Washington’s Trevor Ariza and Phoenix’s Channing Frye as part of a plan to revamp a roster that to date only has Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Robert Sacre signed for next season.
Coming on the heels of their franchise worse 27-55 finish this season, the Lakers are desperate to make a splash this summer leading into Kobe Bryant’s much anticipated return. The 35-year-old Bryant played in just six games last season, recuperating from off-season surgery for a torn Achilles.
The 29-year-old Ariza, who averaged 14 points, six rebounds and three assists for the Wizards this season, previously spent two seasons with the Lakers, including their 2009 championship-winning season. Lowry, meanwhile, enjoyed a career-year with the Raptors, averaging 18 points, seven assists and four rebounds, while Monroe registered 15 points, nine rebounds and a block a night for the Pistons.
An eight-year veteran playing for his third team and now in his fourth season with the Suns, Frye averaged 11 points, five rebounds and a block.
The Lakers are also rumored to still hold some interest in resigning veteran forward Pau Gasol, an unrestricted free agent who, nonetheless, still shares close ties with Bryant whom he has won two NBA titles alongside.
ESPN reports the Lakers are expected to meet with Anthony on Thursday, while James has yet to formally schedule any meetings with any of his would-be suitors.
In the wake of last season’s fiasco, Bryant has implored Lakers’ fans to flush the stench of it from their collective memory with the promise this season will be “epic.”
