Lakers Free Agency Results | Kyrie Irving Update | Buddy Hield Lakers Trade Talks

ZSN

#Lakers Free Agency Results | #KyrieIrving Update | Buddy Hield #LakersTradeTalks On Tuesday, the five newest members of the Los Angeles Lakers — Lonnie Walker IV, Damian Jones, Troy Brown Jr., Juan Toscano-Anderson, and Thomas Bryant — met with the media for the first time since inking their fresh contracts. In general, the two themes of the day — reflecting the Lakers’ approach to free agency — were defensive versatility and playing whatever role is asked to win. After spending last summer signing prideful, past-their-prime veterans, the Lakers sought younger, athletic hoopers who can embrace supporting roles alongside stars and offer hustle, intensity, and grit. In a perfect world—perfect for the Purple and Gold, at least—the Lakers would leave this summer having reunited LeBron James with his old championship running mate, Kyrie Irving. Of course, things don't always go according to plan, so L.A. needs to have other options in case an Uncle Drew deal never goes down. The Lakers, apparently, already have some alternatives in mind. "They've looked at other deals," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said on NBA Today (via Silver Screen and Roll). "They continued, I know, to check in on Eric Gordon in Houston. That's certainly a player that interests them. Buddy Hield in Indiana ... The Lakers certainly are looking out at the marketplace, but there's no question Kyrie Irving is one of them." Irving is the most talented of that trio by a wide margin, but he also would be the most costly in a trade and come with the most question marks given his many absences in recent years. The Lakers could probably flip a coin to determine the better fit between Gordon and Hield, as the former offers more defense and shot-creation while the latter ranks among the Association's top shooters. Thomas Bryant was highly sought-after in free agency, as his combination of shooting and shot-blocking would be a boon for most frontcourts. He ultimately landed on the Lakers—his first NBA employer—and chose them over the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz for one specific reason: He "will be given the opportunity to win the starting center position," per Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes. While it has seemed Anthony Davis was positioned to spend most (if not all) of his floor time at the 5 spot, slotting Bryant there instead could have its benefits. The Lakers wouldn't necessarily have to sacrifice spacing—Bryant has shot better than 40 percent from three in two of his five seasons, and Davis used to hover around a league-average rate before cooling off lately—but they could have the kind of size and length that helped them win the 2020 championship. Having said that, it could be asking a ton of Bryant, who has only played 37 games the past two seasons while navigating around an ACL tear. Still, he played at a starting-caliber level before, and if he gets that form back, he might be the best option to pair with Davis up front. So Z Nation, what grade do you give the Lakers in free agency? And which player should the Lakers pursue Kyrie Irving, Buddy Hield or Eric Gordon??? Comments down below 💭☑️ Like and Share my videos 👍🏼☑️ ✅ Subscribe to my channel ZSPN on YouTube ✅ ✅Help us continue to provide ZSPN coverage and SUBSCRIBE: http://youtube.com/c/ZSPNSports #ZSPN on Social Media: ☑️Like my page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZSPNSports ☑️Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/zspn_sports ☑️Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zspn_sports ☑️Check out my podcast, ZSPN, on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/7hRfH2WzMhoKzgFyftUz1l ☑️Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3I60o3Wt-X421fEiJSjziA/join 💜GO LAKERS💛