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The starting small forward spot is primed for a change in the Laker lineup. While MWP had a bounce back season from his inconsistent 2012-13 season, he might be served moving to the bench in a power forward role. He's lost a step and his perimeter skills are lacking some (cue mindless overdribbling and forced jump shot). He's also a prime candidate to be amnestied this summer. He's overpaid at this point in his career, but I'm not sure that's wise. He can still play tough defense and a decent three point shooter. Not to mention this team needs as many serviceable role players as possible given how shallow it is. Earl Clark surprised many in January/February before crashing back to reality to end the season. I think he has a role on this team next season if he is re-signed. He mentioned he was more comfortable playing small forward than power forward, but would try his best to get stronger to play the four this summer. I probably wouldn't give Clark more than $4 million for next season and next season alone. With that said, the Lakers are armed with the mini-MLE worth about $3.1 million this summer and the veteran's minimum. Here's a list of guys that might or might not be available.
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Austin Daye, 6'10 200 lbs.
Daye is a 24 year old big three slash stretch four player. He's been a bit inconsistent shooting the three in his four years in the NBA, but I tend to think he's a good perimeter shooter. However, he doesn't offer much else. For a guy as tall as he is, he's not much of a rebounder or shot blocker. He doesn't stand out much on defense as a good or bad defender. the Grizzlies could give him a qualifying offer making him a restricted free agent this summer, but if they don't given (iffy because of their cap issues), he might end up being an unrestricted free agent.
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Carlos Delfino, 6'6 230 lbs.
Delfino is a tough, hard nosed swingman that's playing for the Rockets in the playoffs right now. I always liked him as a "three and d" type of guy. During the regular season, he chucked a healthy 9 threes per 36 minutes while shooting an above average rate of 37.5%.
Defensively, he's declined from where he was three or four years ago, but that's understandable given he's 30 now. Still, Kevin McHale trusted Delfino enough that he would routinely had him guard opposing power forwards in their small ball lineups. He has another year left on his contract for $3 million that is non-guaranteed. If Daryl Morey chooses to pursue Dwight or another big name this summer in free agency, expect him to waive Delfino to carve out cap space.
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Francisco Garcia, 6'7 195 lbs.
After nearly fading to Bolivia these last few seasons with the Kings, Garcia is currently guarding Kevin Durant without backing down and knocking down threes. He doesn't do much else at this point in his career, but he's a useful rotation player. He has a team option for $6 million that will surely be turned down this summer so the Rockets can create cap space. I wouldn't give him more than what Jodie Meeks got last summer ($1.5 million).
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Martell Webster, 6'7 230 lbs.
Webster was on the verge of retirement because of back issues (hmmm), before having a renaissance with the Wizards. He turned into a reliable three point shooter, particularly from the corners. He was especially good after John Wall returned from injury. He's got a strong body to go with good, but not great athleticism. On defense, Webster is just decent. I'm a bit weary this past season was a fluke, but if it wasn't then he can be a solid piece on a good team. I think the Wizards liked him enough that they will bring him back, but who knows. They can give him a starting salary of $2.1 million, so the Lakers would have to top that.
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Dorell Wright, 6'9 215 lbs.
Essential is just giggling reading this. Doug Collins in his infinite wisdom didn't play Dwight as much as he should have, but Wright still enjoyed a good season for the Sixers. He fits the bill of what you want in a small forward in 2013. He's long, athletic and can shoot. He shot just 39 percent from the field this season, but over 60 percent of his field goal attempts were threes, where he was a respectable 37.4% shooter. His 54.4 TS%,was above league average compared to the rest of the league. Compared to the average small forward this season, he also had a higher assist rate and lower turnover rate which is enticing. Wright is a decent rebounder and defender as well. Wright will get more lucrative offers from other teams, but the (puncher's) chance to compete for a championship and returning to Los Angeles might entice him to sign with the Lakers.