The Lakers entered free agency with clear needs and a clear vision to improve their roster, but they exited Day 1 having lost as many players as they added.
While Los Angeles posted a 50-32 record last season and finished with the West’s No. 3 seed, its playoff run lasted just five games. With Luka Doncic and LeBron James at the forefront, the franchise could ill afford to come up that short again, but it needed upgrades.
Before free agency began, James’ camp applied pressure to the franchise with a statement, saying, “We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”
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With that in mind, the spotlight on L.A. was brighter than usual, and the first free agency rumblings did not work in its favor. After reportedly losing valuable 3-and-D swingman Dorian Finney-Smith to the Rockets, the Lakers are reportedly set to add 23-year-old forward Jake LaRavia to carry a similar role.
L.A. got younger, but it still needs more, and a number of its free agency targets are off the board. Here’s who the Lakers could look to sign or acquire via trade as the offseason continues.
Lakers top offseason targets entering Day 2 of free agency
Soobum Im
1. Deandre Ayton
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and some signs currently point to Ayton joining the Lakers. Ahead of free agency, the Trail Blazers and Ayton reached an agreement on a contract buyout, moving him atop the list of potential centers the franchise could add.
He’s a former No. 1 overall pick, but there are concerns with inconsistencies in the effort department. Still, Ayton is skilled offensively and can be a difference-maker on defense when engaged. As a bonus, he and Doncic have a longstanding relationship from their time as draft classmates.
2. De’Anthony Melton
Melton is another player the Lakers have been linked to in this cycle. He’s coming off an ACL injury, but he’s a Los Angeles native and a USC product who would add point-of-attack defense and some perimeter shooting at a reasonable price point.
The swing will be Melton’s health and his ability to go from Day 1 of the new season.
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3. Amir Coffey
It’s at a relatively low volume, but Coffey is a career 38.4-percent 3-point shooter who would be a more under-the-radar addition for Los Angeles. At 6-7, he has good size, and he’ll be 28 next season, meaning he wouldn’t make this roster older. This is a realistic get, given the Lakers’ financial constraints.
4. Tim Hardaway Jr.
With all that Detroit is looking to do this offseason, it appears the franchise is moving on from Hardaway. He has a history of playing alongside Doncic from their time in Dallas, and he’s a high-volume 3-point shooter that J.J. Redick would value. Last season, Hardaway averaged 11.0 points as a full-time starter for the 44-win Pistons.
5. Walker Kessler
With passing time, this feels like more of a long shot, but the Lakers continue to prove that nothing is out of the realm of possibility. The Jazz are rebuilding, and if they’re focused on the distant future, the Lakers could make a trade play for the 7-footer who’ll be 24 next season.
His rim protection and standing as a lob threat make him the perfect complement for Doncic.
6. Chris Boucher
If L.A. wants to make a play for a somewhat unorthodox floor-spacing big, Boucher is the guy. The Raptors shelved him for stretches last year, but he averaged 10.0 points per game and shot 36.3 percent from deep.
He has instincts that allow him to block shots, and his effort is almost always worth writing home about.
