The Los Angeles Lakers have made several changes to their roster in the early stages of free agency. While LeBron James picked up his player option and Jaxson Hayes was re-signed, Dorian Finney-Smith opted to join the Houston Rockets on a four-year, $53 million deal.
The Lakers responded by signing Jake LaRavia to a two-year, $12 million contract. They later picked up former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton on a two-year, $16.2 million deal.
After filling their need for a big man, Los Angeles is reportedly focused on picking up defensive wings. They have turned their focus to the trade market as they look to surround James and Luka Dončić with point of attack defenders.
Anthony Irwin of Clutch Points revealed three targets that the Lakers could attempt to target.
“Previous trade targets include Andrew Wiggins and Robert Williams, among others, and a couple new names have garnered some attention given how the rest of the offseason has played out to this point,” Clutch Points’ Anthony Irwin wrote Tuesday. “Sources say Matisse Thybulle, Marcus Smart (though most teams are watching to see if he’s going to be bought out), Ayo Dosunmu and others are names the Lakers have had preliminary conversations with teams about availability and price, though no offers have been made.”
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Irwin noted that general manager Rob Pelinka will look to use the Las Vegas Summer League to advance in negotiations. He also added that Los Angeles is likely to waive Shake Milton before July 20, if they are unable to find a trade partner for him.
The Lakers are reportedly looking to open multiple roster spots and gain full access to their bi-annual exception. It has been shared that they do not want to add long-term contracts as they are looking to find a star to pair with Dončić in the stacked 2027 free agent class.
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