Miami Heat: Five Winners from NBA Free Agency So Far

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball against Miami Heat forward Jae Crowder (99) and forward Jimmy Butler (22)(Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball against Miami Heat forward Jae Crowder (99) and forward Jimmy Butler (22)(Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
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Miami Heat
Los Angeles Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell (5) celebrates with forward JaMychal Green (4)(Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated Miami in the NBA Finals and you thought that may mean that they would lose guys. Well, they did, but they’ve retooled.

Los Angeles Lakers

After this season’s title run, the Lakers were looking at completely rebuilding this roster after having multiple guys on the last year of their deals. Not only is the roster built, but the Lakers will also honestly be better than they were last season.

Bringing back Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a three-year deal worth $40 million is probably an overpay, but when you play for the champs and your agent is Rich Paul, you usually get more than you’re actually worth. To KCP’s credit, he did play well in the finals and is a great fit with this Lakers squad.

Los Angeles also stole the reigning Sixth Man of the Year from the Los Angeles Clippers in Montrezl Harrell. One of the coldest moves in recent NBA history, Harrell will move from one locker room in the Staples Center to the other.

Well, at least for a little while. We know that his old team is building one massive arena as we speak.

Honestly, this is a great move for the Lakers. A lineup with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Harrell should have a chance to grab every rebound on the court.

Wesley Matthews signing with L.A. for only $3.6 million is an absolute steal. I’m calling it now that Wes Matthews will win the Lakers a playoff game or two next season.

He played well for Milwaukee last season and he’s much better than Danny Green. Let’s go back to the Eastern Conference though.