1) Lakers free agents for Chicago Bulls to pursue: Anthony Davis
Definitely the grand prize free agent target for anyone that would have any shot to lure him away from the Lakers this offseason would be the former New Orleans Pelicans and Kentucky Wildcats superstar big man Anthony Davis. This 6-foot-10 and 255 pound Chicago, IL, native would be about the best the Bulls could possibly do in free agency this offseason.
But AD seems to have an insanely small likelihood that he leaves LeBron and the Lakers this offseason. If he does decide to opt out of his current contract (with a one-year player option), then it would be to get a slightly increased salary bump. It wouldn’t necessarily be to explore any other options for another team to sign with this offseason.
What the Bulls can hopefully do this offseason is start to plant the seeds with various stars around the NBA that they are in fact turning this rebuild around. The Bulls have a pretty bad image with the other 29 teams around the NBA, and all of the front office and coaching staff changes could help to boost their brand in the near future.
AD got his first ring with the Lakers this year. He also got his seventh career NBA All-Star selection, four All-NBA Team nod, and fourth All-Defensive Team selection. It makes a lot of sense for AD to return to the Lakers heading into next season, but maybe take his talents elsewhere when LeBron’s time is done in the NBA a few years down the road.