Los Angeles Lakers are setting their eyes on Nicolas Batum, who intends to stay with the Charlotte Hornets for the next season as he gets ready to represent France in the 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament starting next month.
The Los Angeles Lakers will try to do their best to conjure the top-notch players in the market, citing the looming NBA free-agent period. It's quite challenging when convincing quality talent joins a rebuilding club and by the looks of it, this summer things might get even more difficult.
By virtue of a salary cap, larger part of the league has enough money, besides, the free agent output is exceptionally thin. In the midst of the free agent turmoil, the Lakers are expected to aim their attention on wings and centers, both positions of need.
Regrettably, it looks like Nicolas Batum, who probably is the best choice for the Lakers, is not really keen on quitting the Charlotte Hornets, reported FIBA.
Batum will reportedly agree to terms with the incumbent club as soon as free agency opens next month.
No prizes for guessing, this piece of sour news was not at all expected. The Hornets made an impressive season exit, taking the experienced Miami Heat to seven games just before bailing out in the first round of the playoffs.
Individually, the 27-year-old French wingman rebounded after a long time since he left the Portland Trailblazers, averaging career-highs of 14.9 points and 5.8 assists, per game, Lakers Nation reported.
No doubt, Batum's versatility would have been a great addition to Lakers' arsenal. The team needs a small forward in order to replace the retired Kobe Bryant, and with the possibility of DeMar DeRozan staying with the Toronto Raptors, it looks like the list of available wings is diminishing very fast.
The Lisieux, France native will be participating in the Olympic Qualifiers slated to be held in Philippines from July 4 to July 10.
France will represent Group B along with New Zealand and the Philippines, Bleacher Report noted.
