NBA rumors: Is Greg Monroe Plan C for the Lakers?

The Lakers are hoping the allure of playing with Kobe Bryant will attract marquee free agents LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony, since, you know, why wouldn't a star in his prime want to play second fiddle to a megalomaniac who turns 36 in August and appeared in just six games last season?

But assuming their fool-proof plan fails, they also have a list of second-tier targets, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne: "If they are unable to land Anthony or James, the Lakers are also expected to have a strong interest in Washington free-agent forward Trevor Ariza, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, Detroit center Greg Monroe and Phoenix forward Channing Frye, according to sources."

What does Monroe have that those other free agents lack? Size. And with both Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill unrestricted free agents, the Lakers may be in serious need of a big man to play next to rookie Julius Randle. At this point it's still conjecture, and I've yet to see a report suggesting the Lakers have actually made contact. But once LeBron, Carmelo and Gasol go off the board, it won't be a surprise if there's a domino effect that involves Monroe.