The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a crucial free agency period, with a focus on bolstering their roster to support their star trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. After exercising team options on Stanley Johnson and Wenyen Gabriel, the Lakers now have nine players under contract as they head into free agency. The team is over the projected luxury tax, but they still have the taxpayer midlevel exception, worth approximately $6.5 million, and up to six openings for veteran minimum contracts.
The Lakers’ priorities this offseason include adding youth, length, athleticism, and, most importantly, shooting. The front office is keen to avoid the mistakes of last offseason and is focusing on acquiring two-way wings who can complement their core players. According to league sources, the Lakers are particularly interested in players who can start alongside James and Davis.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager, emphasized the importance of defense and shooting in the team’s free-agency strategy. “I think guys that will really get after it defensively,” Pelinka said. “I think (head coach) Darvin (Ham) is going to prioritize guys who play hard and who compete on every play and compete in the gaps. These are the types of players that we’re going to identify in free agency as well. And I do think, of course, having shooting around our three stars is going to be really important to create space.”
Despite their financial constraints, the Lakers are determined to attract high-quality free agents by offering starting roles, significant playing time, and the exposure that comes with playing for a marquee franchise. One of their top priorities is retaining Malik Monk, although this will depend on his market value and the availability of other 3-and-D wings.
The Lakers have identified several targets for their full taxpayer midlevel exception, including Otto Porter Jr., Nicolas Batum, Gary Harris, T.J. Warren, Caleb Martin, Cody Martin, Mo Bamba, and Danuel House Jr. For partial midlevel exceptions or minimum contracts, they are considering players like Nemanja Bjelica, Jeremy Lamb, Jevon Carter, and Juan Toscano-Anderson.
Otto Porter Jr. is a prime candidate for the Lakers. At 29 years old, Porter is an unrestricted free agent who averaged 8.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and shot 37% from three-point range last season. He fits the Lakers’ need for a 3-and-D wing, offering size, shooting, and solid defense. However, durability and athletic decline are concerns.
T.J. Warren is another intriguing option. Although he has only played four games over the past two seasons due to a foot injury, Warren is a proven scorer when healthy. He could be a valuable addition if he can stay on the court and regain his form.
Malik Monk, who averaged 13.8 points and shot 39.1% from three-point range last season, is also a strong candidate for re-signing. However, the Lakers need size and defense on the perimeter more than Monk’s scoring and playmaking. If they can’t land a two-way wing, Monk could still be a valuable asset.
Mo Bamba, a 24-year-old center, is another potential target. Bamba averaged 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and shot 38.1% from three-point range last season. His length and shot-blocking ability make him an ideal fit alongside Davis and James.
The Martin twins, Caleb and Cody, are also on the Lakers’ radar. Both are 26 years old and offer solid defense and shooting. Caleb, in particular, had a strong season with the Miami Heat, shooting 41.3% from three-point range.
Gary Harris, a 27-year-old wing, fits the 3-and-D mold the Lakers are looking for. He averaged 11.1 points and shot 38.4% from three-point range last season. However, his injury history and size are concerns.
Victor Oladipo, Danuel House Jr., and Nic Claxton are other potential targets. Oladipo, a two-time All-Star, has struggled with injuries but showed flashes of his old self last season. House offers solid defense and shooting, while Claxton is a versatile big man who can switch onto perimeter players.
The Lakers are also considering veteran options like Thaddeus Young, Nemanja Bjelica, and Amir Coffey. Young is a versatile forward who can handle some of the center load, while Bjelica is a stretch five who can space the floor. Coffey, a restricted free agent, is an athletic 3-and-D wing with good size.
Wesley Matthews, Delon Wright, and Ricky Rubio are other names on the Lakers’ list. Matthews is a strong defender, Wright is a versatile guard, and Rubio is a solid playmaker, although he is coming off an ACL tear.
The Lakers have a lot of work to do this offseason, but they are determined to build a roster that can compete for a championship. With limited financial flexibility, they will need to be creative and strategic in their approach to free agency. The focus will be on adding players who can defend, shoot, and complement their star trio of James, Davis, and Westbrook.
Source: ESPN, The Athletic
