The Los Angeles Lakers will obviously prioritize LeBron James’ free agency decision but they also have to look at ways of improving the roster. Other than LeBron James and Anthony Davis, there wasn’t a reliable all-around impact player on the Lakers and they might have to look at the 10 best 3-and-D targets this summer.
1. Jerami Grant
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How The Lakers Can Acquire Jerami Grant: Via Trade
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
Jerami Grant's versatility and defensive prowess make him an ideal fit for the Lakers. His ability to guard multiple positions, combined with his improved three-point shooting (40.2% this season), would provide the Lakers with a much-needed defensive anchor and floor spacer. Grant's length and athleticism allow him to effectively switch on defense, making him a valuable asset in today's switch-heavy defensive schemes.
The forward averaged 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks per game and had 1.0 defensive win shares for the lowly Portland Trail Blazers. Expect his defensive numbers to boost considerably once he is with the Lakers. Acquiring Grant would also signify a commitment to bolstering the Lakers' perimeter defense and adding a reliable scoring option. His presence on the court would allow LeBron and Davis to focus more on their offensive roles and rest a little more on defense.
2. Kyle Kuzma
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How The Lakers Can Acquire Kyle Kuzma: Via Trade
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kyle Kuzma
Washington Wizards Receive: D'Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, No. 17 Pick (LAL)
Bringing Kyle Kuzma back to the Lakers would reunite the team with a familiar face who has significantly improved his game since his previous stint in Los Angeles. Kuzma has developed into a reliable 3-and-D player, showcasing his defensive capabilities (1.1 defensive win shares) and three-point shooting even if his efficiency isn’t there yet (33.6% this season). His versatility in playing both forward positions would provide the Lakers with a flexible lineup option, allowing them to adapt to various matchups.
Kuzma's familiarity with the team's culture and system could facilitate a seamless reintegration, making him an immediate contributor. Kuzma's return would also add depth to the Lakers' roster, enhancing their strength in athleticism and providing a reliable scoring option since he posted 22.2 points per game for the Washington Wizards. His growth as a playmaker and rebounder further adds to his value, making him a well-rounded addition.
3. Bruce Brown
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How The Lakers Can Acquire Bruce Brown: Sign-And-Trade
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Bruce Brown
Toronto Raptors Receive:Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC), 2027 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
Bruce Brown, coming off an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets last year, embodies the win-now mentality that the Lakers crave. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to knock down crucial three-pointers, Brown would seamlessly fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Acquiring Brown through a sign-and-trade deal involving Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and future second-round picks, though complex, could be a strategic move for the Lakers.
His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, providing the Lakers with a reliable defensive option against the league's top perimeter threats. Offensively, Brown's ability to hit corner threes (33.7% for his career) and cut to the basket complements LeBron's playmaking and AD's post presence, and he can re-create his impact with the Nuggets once again.
4. De’Andre Hunter
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How The Lakers Can Acquire De’Andre Hunter: Via Trade
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: De’Andre Hunter
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
Current Atlanta Hawks starter DeAndre Hunter's combination of size (6’8”), defensive skills, and three-point shooting (38.5%) make him a prime target for the Lakers. As a young, ascending talent, Hunter offers the potential for long-term impact, fitting well with the Lakers' need for a strong wing defender and floor spacer. His ability to guard multiple positions and hit corner threes would complement the Lakers' star duo, allowing them to focus on their strengths while Hunter handles tough defensive assignments with a defensive rating of 117.9.
This versatility is crucial for the Lakers as they navigate a competitive Western Conference. adding a player like Hunter, who is still on an upward trajectory in his career at 26 years old, could provide the Lakers with a key piece for both immediate success and future development. His presence would enhance the team's defensive schemes, particularly in switch-heavy situations, and his steady improvement on offense would add another layer to the Lakers' scoring options.
5. Gary Trent Jr.
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How The Lakers Can Acquire Gary Trent Jr.: Via Free Agency
Possible Contract: Mid-Level Contract ($5,220,000)
Gary Trent Jr.'s sharpshooting (13.7 PPG on 39.3% from three) and defensive acumen (118.2 defensive rating) make him an ideal 3-and-D target for the Lakers. His ability to knock down threes at a high clip would significantly improve the Lakers' perimeter shooting, a crucial need for a team centered around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. As a free agent, Trent Jr could welcome the chance to have James and Davis feed him open threes which could set him up for immediate success and a larger contract down the line.
Trent's defensive tenacity allows him to guard multiple positions, providing the Lakers with a reliable wing defender who can take on tough assignments. His experience and composure in high-pressure situations add to his value as a playoff-tested performer from his days with the Portland Trail Blazers and recently with the Toronto Raptors.
6. Buddy Hield
Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
How The Lakers Can Acquire Buddy Hield: Sign-And-Trade
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Buddy Hield
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
Buddy Hield's elite three-point shooting makes him a perfect fit for the Lakers, who desperately need reliable perimeter scoring. The player shot 38.6% from three this season and averaged 40.0% for his career, meaning the 6’4” swingman is a bonafide sharpshooter. Hield's offensive prowess would be a significant boost to the Lakers' attack, particularly in clutch moments when James attracts double-teams.
Adding Hield to the roster would also come with defensive considerations. While not known for his defense over his shooting, Hield has the size to be effective and his 115.7 defensive rating this season proves he can be an impact player in the right situation. Since Hield is a free agent, the Lakers can negotiate a sign-and-trade with the 76ers that would help both teams.
7. Kelly Oubre Jr.
Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
How The Lakers Can Acquire Kelly Oubre Jr.: Via Free Agency
Possible Contract: Mid-Level Contract ($5,220,000)
Kelly Oubre Jr. brings a combination of athleticism (6’7” and 203 lbs), defensive versatility, and streaky shooting that could benefit the Lakers. Known for his energy and tenacity on the defensive end, Oubre can guard multiple positions and provide the Lakers with another layer of defensive intensity. Offensively, his ability to slash to the basket and hit the occasional three-pointer (32.7% from three over his career) makes him a dynamic player who can thrive in transition and in half-court sets.
Oubre's athleticism and hustle would fit well with the Lakers' fast-paced style of play, providing a spark off the bench or in a starting role. Oubre's acquisition would also come with the potential for high variance in his performance, given his streaky shooting. However, his defensive impact (114.0 defensive rating) and athletic contributions could offset periods of offensive inconsistency and he could have a similar impact on the Lakers as he did with the 76ers this season.
8. Dorian Finney-Smith
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How The Lakers Can Acquire Dorian Finney-Smith: Via Trade
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Dorian Finney-Smith
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Rui Hachimura
The 31-year-old Dorian Finney-Smith's reputation as a reliable 3-and-D player makes him a prime candidate for the Lakers. His ability to hit three-pointers consistently and defend multiple positions would provide the Lakers with a dependable role player who excels in his niche. Finney-Smith's defensive versatility allows him to guard both wings and forwards, making him a crucial piece in switch-heavy defensive schemes.
Offensively, his ability to stretch the floor and knock down open shots would complement the Lakers' star players, providing more space for LeBron James and Anthony Davis to operate. The swingman averaged 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game on 34.8% shooting from deep and had a 113.2 defensive rating which means he could easily slot into the Lakers’ starting lineup if needed.
9. Royce O'Neale
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How The Lakers Can Acquire Royce O’Neale: Via Free Agency
Possible Contract: Mid-Level Contract ($5,220,000)
Upcoming free agent Royce O'Neale's defensive tenacity (110.4 defensive rating) and three-point shooting ability (37.0%) make him an ideal addition to the Lakers. Known for his ability to guard top perimeter players, O'Neale would bolster the Lakers' defense, particularly against elite wings and guards. He has been on title-contending teams such as the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns in recent seasons, so we know what to expect from him.
Acquiring O'Neale would also bring a veteran presence with playoff experience to the Lakers. The 31-year-old can perform under pressure and adapt to different roles making him a reliable option in high-stakes situations. O'Neale's low-maintenance playing style means he can fit seamlessly alongside the Lakers' stars, and he would love the chance to be in Los Angeles.
10. Robert Covington
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How The Lakers Can Acquire Robert Covington: Via Free Agency
Possible Contract: Mid-Level Contract ($5,220,000)
Robert Covington's defensive versatility (career 23.5 defensive win shares) and three-point shooting make him a valuable target for the Lakers. Covington is known for his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes, providing the Lakers with a strong defensive presence on the perimeter. His three-point shooting would help space the floor (36.2%), giving LeBron James and Anthony Davis more room to operate. Covington's experience and IQ on the defensive end make him an ideal fit for the Lakers' system, where his skills can be maximized.
Covington's knack for timely steals and blocks, combined with his reliable shooting, would enhance the Lakers' overall team performance. Competing with title-contending teams such as the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers in recent years, Covington can be a valuable 3-and-D role player if he is healthy as he only played 29 games this season.
This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.
