Ranking the Superstars Lakers Should Pursue in 2014 Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers aren't used to swinging and missing in free agency, as they did with Dwight Howard. But the beautiful thing about this mixed metaphor is there are three strikes before you're out, and the Lakers will be gearing up for another big swing during the 2014 offseason. 

If Dwight was a knuckleball thrown by R.A. Dickey during a good outing (really, what else could he be?), then the loaded free-agency class next summer is a hanging curve just waiting to be pounded out of the Staples Center by general manager Mitch Kupchak. 

The Lakers have only one player signed past this upcoming 2013-14 campaign: Steve Nash. Thanks to the stretch provision, there's a chance he could be on the books for only $3.2 million, leaving L.A. with all of the money in the world to spend. 

Kobe Bryant has to be brought back, so don't expect to see him featured in this slideshow. We're dealing with targets from other teams, not incumbent superstars who won't require much of a pursuit. 

But after Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times brought up the early interest in Carmelo Anthony, let's take a look at the superstars whom the Lakers could end up pursuing next offseason.

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