Lakers News: Checking In On Mavericks' Top 5 2023 Free Agents For LA

LA does Dallas tonight.

Tonight, your Los Angeles Lakers will hope to move on from an egregious 114-110 road defeat against the blatantly tanking Houston Rockets Wednesday (albeit without LeBron James or Anthony Davis) with a victory against the visiting Dallas Mavericks.

Beyond the headliner, the Mavericks have a variety of free agent names this summer who could theoretically help LA, if the price is right. Let's take a gander at some of those options.

1. Kyrie Irving

Yes, he's the best Dallas player who will be hitting free agency (unrestricted or otherwise) this year. That doesn't mean LA, who tried to trade for him at this year's deadline, should bring him in. They should avoid this perennially moody malcontent, who when he isn't stoking controversy off the court is shirking his defensive responsibilities on it. Or else he's hurt again (coincidentally, that's the issue that may keep him unavailable tonight). He'll be angling for a maximum salary this summer. LA should steer clear at all costs.

2. Christian Wood

Another unrestricted free agent, the 27-year-old sharpshooting power forward/center has quite the offensive bag, but will be on the prowl for a bigger bag than what any reasonable team can offer. Like Irving, Wood seems to wear out his welcome quickly in new situations. Also like Irving, Wood is allergic to defense, never a condition you want in a high-paid center. Wood is unmistakably a talent, but one LA should avoid.

3. Dwight Powell

The oft-injured center could be worth a look at the right price, though he's on the wrong side of history and, well, oft-injured. He doesn't have any elite skill, but is fairly competent and might be worthy of consideration as a Mo Bamba replacement, should Los Angeles opt to go in a different direction with that backup center spot.

4. Justin Holiday

A solid journeyman 3-and-D wing, the Mission Hills native hasn't carved out a major rotation role in a while, on teams that could certainly use his ostensible services. He also will be 34 by the time he hits free agency. He could be worth a flyer on a veteran's minimum, by it might also behoove the Lakers to look for younger options.

5. Markieff Morris

As we know all too well, the Lakers love bringing back ex-Lakers. Morris was a throw-in from the Irving trade, and the veteran power forward has yet to crack the Mavs' rotation. He's appeared in just five games for Dallas, averaging 4.8 minutes per in garbage time. LA should avoid pining for a reunion here.

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