Ideal Potential Free Agents for LA Lakers at Every Position

In the minds of diehard Los Angeles Lakers fans, there exists a perfect world where superstar free agents like LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony happily sign to play for the purple and gold next season.

And then there is reality: that of a decimated franchise anxious for a return to glory but at least two to three years away from making that happen.

In a perfect universe, the Lakers somehow persuade James to opt out of his contract in Miami to come play with Kobe Bryant in L.A.  Or, convince the Phoenix Suns to let go of their superb young point guard Eric Bledsoe. 

The Suns will likely match any big offer for Bledsoe, a restricted free agent.  

Signing Anthony to a long-term contract might make Kobe Bryant happy, but it wouldn't fill the gaping holes the Lakers face on the defensive side of the ball.  Anthony is likely to opt out this summer and has told sources he would like the "Dwight Howard treatment," per the Sporting News, of having interested suitors come to him with their best offers.

The Lakers may be one of the teams Anthony is considering, though it wouldn't appear to fit with the team's long-range plans of rebuilding through youth and athleticism. 

While much is up in the air with a new coach to hire and a first-round pick to select, the Lakers seem likely to save their big dollars for 2015 when such highly desirable talent such as Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge and Marc Gasol become available.

With about $27 million of cap space this summer, the Lakers can afford to go after a one or two star position players that could help transform them from a doormat into a playoff team.  They may not be able to sign every player they covet this summer but should and probably will make the attempt.

Byron Scott, a leading candidate for the head coaching position, told ESPN Radio's Max Kellerman and Marcellus Wiley (via Eric Pincus at L.A. T...

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