With the Lakers now officially out of the playoff race following their defeat to the Brooklyn Nets, their focus now will turn to the offseason where they’re hoping to bring in at least one other All-Star.
Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving have all be linked with joining the Lakers.
But multiple reports have suggested they may have to look elsewhere with other teams favoured to sign the top free agents.
That could force the Lakers into looking at the second-tier of potential free agents.
Top of that list would be Kemba Walker, who has been enjoying a career-high season.
The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly resigned to losing the All-Star this summer, and a host of NBA teams will be clamouring to sign the 29-year-old.
And Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reports the Lakers are one of the teams monitoring his situation.
However, he adds another three teams will be set to battle with the Lakers for his signature.
Leading the charge though will reportedly be the Dallas Mavericks.
“Two sources with knowledge of the Mavericks’ thinking expect Walker, the Hornets’ three-time All-Star point guard, to be that team’s top target when NBA free-agency begins July 1,” he wrote.
The Mavericks are one of a few teams this summer that are projected to have enough space for two max salary slots.
One space is expected to be taken up by Kristaps Porzingis, who was traded to the Mavericks by the New York Knicks.
The Knicks are also listed as a team who could potentially be interested in signing Walker.
He is a New York City native, who has always spoken highly of the Knicks organisation.
And he left the door to a possible move to the Knicks slightly ajar in December
“I don’t have any interest in coming back home — right now,” he said.