Lakers News: The Knicks Could Have A Perfect Free Agent For LA

If he declines his player option for next year, that is.

Tonight's opposition for your Los Angeles Lakers, the New York Knicks, do not have a ton of players set to hit free agency this summer. Point guards Derrick Rose and Miles McBride aren't part of the 39-30 team's rotation at present. 

Rose's pedigree could lead him to signing a veteran's minimum contract somewhere, even if he hasn't been a particularly helpful contributor this year. The Knicks hold a $1.4 million team option on McBride, a second-year player who has yet to bloom.

But there is one potential impending Knicks free agent that every team in its right mind should be circling: swingman Josh Hart.

The 28-year-old defensive-oriented wing has been the ultimate glue guy in New York. The team instantly went on a nine-game winning streak after it traded for him, and really seems to be a frisky playoff pseudo-contender in the East with his addition. He has a $12.6 million player option for the 2023-24 NBA season. He's been an outstanding fit with New York, and seems more likely than not to re-sign there if anything.

That said, should he want to look around, Hart could be in line for a decent raise this summer. The Lakers have a few big cap decisions to make this summer, but could find a way to carve out room for Hart if they wanted to. 

He's an okay three-point shooter (34.8% for his career on 3.8 tries), but most importantly for Los Angeles, he would help the team continue its defensive overhaul that has seen it rise to the top team in overall defensive rating since the February 9th trade deadline. This season, Hart is averaging 9.8 points on .523/.360/.723 shooting splits, 7.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.1 steals a night.

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