Lakers News: Longtime LA Target Set To Enter Unrestricted Free Agency

Can the Lakers get a little...Reddish?

It seems like since the Denver Nuggets claimed their first NBA title at the beginning of June, the clock has been ticking faster than usual. 

The NBA Draft happened rather quickly, and as we approach NBA free agency, Friday's start date can't come soon enough. 

According to HoopsHype's, Michael Scotto, the Portland Trail Blazers are not expected to extend Cam Reddish a qualifying offer, making Reddish an unrestricted free agent. 

The Portland Trail Blazers are not expected to extend Cam Reddish a qualifying offer, sources told @hoopshype. Portland is up against a looming luxury tax crunch. Reddish, who several executives believe has untapped potential, would enter the market as an unrestricted free agent.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 28, 2023

This comes due to the fact the Blazers are up against a tight threshold within their own luxury tax situation, leaving the Blazers no choice but to let go of the 2019 first round draft pick. 

Originally selected by the Atlanta Hawks in 2019, Cam Reddish was traded to the New York Knicks after a three-year stint. 

Not knowing where to put him in the rotation, then Knicks coach, Tom Thibodeau traded Reddish to the Blazers via a four-team trade deal between the two sides and an involvement with the 76ers and the Hornets. 

While Reddish's career has been a bit inconsistent in terms of team placement, the Lakers have had an eye on him the entire time. 

And as he prepares to enter free agency, could it be time to make Reddish a Laker? 

The six foot, seven small forward out of Duke only averaged 11 points per game in about 22 minutes per game last year with the Blazers. 

A year where he only played 20 games and started in 12 of them. 

We all know the massive potential Reddish has, and we've seen that when he was teamed up with Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett during his time at Duke. 

Could someone like Lakers Assistant, Phil Handy, and the rest of the developmental personnel help bring the best out of a player like Cam Reddish? 

Reddish is just another kind of toy that the Lakers can play with during NBA free agency. Let's see if they want to pick him up and play.