Milwaukee Bucks: 4 potential restricted free agency suitors for Jabari Parker
By Rohan Katti
Los Angeles Lakers
Projected 2018-19 Cap Space: $47,084,244
Why it makes sense
Even though the days of Mitch Kupchak and Jimmy Buss running the LA Lakers’ front office are over, that does not necessarily mean their tactics will not continue to be used. Relying on splashy free-agent signings is in the Lakers’ DNA, and they will always be trying their hardest to get talent. If Jabari Parker does hit the restricted free-agent market, Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka will surely be the among the first to call Parker’s camp.
With such a large amount of cap room to deal with, the Lakers should have no problem outbidding competition for Parker. A core of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, and Jabari Parker could develop into a formidable threat, even in the loaded Western Conference.
Why it doesn’t make sense
It’s no secret around the NBA that the Lakers are biding their time, hoping they can get all or some members of the banana boat (LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony) to sign with them in the summer of 2018.
The new front office of Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have made moves, such as the salary dump of Timofey Mozgov, that have clarified their intentions of signing one or more big time free agents next summer. If the Lakers are successful in that endeavor, they will have no cap room to sign Jabari Parker, nor would they need to.