Much of the attention paid to potential targets for the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency has been focused on the big names. Players like Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Rajon Rondo have consistently been brought up as likely targets this summer, but there are some other lesser known players who could make sense for the team to pursue.
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One of those players is Khris Middleton who will be a restricted free agent this off-season. According to Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, however, Middleton hopes to remain in Milwaukee:
Middleton on RFA: "I hope to be back here. I feel we have a great young team, going in the right direction."
— cfgardner (@cf_gardner) May 1, 2015
Middleton’s stock has really risen throughout the season as he was one of the most consistent players on a young Milwaukee Bucks team that made the playoffs. He is the prototypical ‘three-and-D’ wing who can play both shooting guard and small forward, provide excellent defense, and shot over 40 percent from three-point range.
Whether the Lakers would pursue him was a question mark as the team has seemed to be averse to going after restricted free agents in recent seasons. Someone like Middleton, however, could be worth it as he is only 23 years old, fills a major need for the Lakers at that small forward position, and would come cheaper than bigger names such as Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard.
Middleton played in 79 games for the Bucks this season averaging 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from the three-point line.
[divide]Lakers 2015 Exit Interviews: Mitch Kupchak
