The Los Angeles Lakers have become an afterthought in the NBA free agency world. Since Dwight Howard walked away in 2013, they've met with big name free agents and failed to sign them. They've even failed to get meetings with some top free agents altogether. The Lakers mystique that once seemed to draw all of the brightest stars to their side of Staples Center no longer seems to be able to grab anybody, but that won't stop them from trying.
Nicolas Batum isn't the biggest name on the free agent market this summer (that's Kevin Durant, who the Lakers won't get a meeting with) but he could be a major piece. We don't know if the Lakers are a front-runner for Batum's services, but it does sound like they'll at least get a visit from the forward. Brad Turner of the LA Times is reporting that Batum is flying back to the United States from Paris this week and one of the teams he'll talk to is the Lakers.
Free agent small forward Nicolas Batum mulling over options, including talking with Lakers, source. He's flying from Paris to US tomorrow.
-- Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 29, 2016
Batum was an extremely valuable member of the Charlotte Hornets in his one year with the team. Previously, he played for the Portland Trail Blazers for seven seasons. He's one of the better two-way small forwards in the NBA and was instrumental to the Hornets' success this past season. The team was four points per 100 possessions better with him on the court and nearly five points better on offense. He was fantastic at attacking off the dribble and moving the ball around. Kemba Walker became an incredible weapon with Batum on the floor.
Batum is a career 36 percent 3-point shooter but has failed to reach that the past two seasons (32.4 percent and 34.8 percent, respectively). He's also dealt with shoulder injuries during that time. Over the last four seasons, he's averaging at least 4.8 assists each year and gave the Hornets a career-high 5.8 assists per game last season. His presence would allow No. 2 pick Brandon Ingram to come along slowly and give the Lakers a dynamic perimeter attack when they put Batum, Ingram, D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson (assuming he re-signs) on the floor together.
It's assumed the French forward will command a max contract or something near it. While the Lakers have had their worst stretch of basketball in franchise history, a poor track record isn't necessarily a detracting characteristic for Batum. Back in 2012, Batum signed an offer sheet to play with the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, the Blazers matched the offer sheet to retain his services.