Los Angeles enters the 2025-26 season in a transitional yet tantalizing state: they added Ayton on a two-year deal to solve their long-standing center issue, and with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves leading the offense, they have all the makings of a top-tier contender.
LeBron’s future may be up in the air, but all indicators point to him honoring his one-year player option and joining camp in September, giving the Lakers their full complement of star power.
Still, the front office knows that talent alone won’t cut it in the West.
They’re exploring final roster tweaks: targeting buyout veterans to bolster depth behind key rotations, eyeing strategic free-agent signings with midlevel flexibility, and monitoring trade opportunities to add perimeter defense or shot creation.
The aim? To surround their elite trio with finishing touches that can tip close playoff series and validate this star-driven gamble.
In this piece, we break down the most compelling targets, from high-character vets in the buyout pool to under-the-radar free agents and savvy trade candidates, and assess how each could elevate the Lakers’ rotation and maximize the championship window for Doncic, Reaves, and the ageless presence of LeBron. Let’s focus on the key targets.
1. De’Andre Hunter
Mar 5, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter (12) shoots the ball during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: De’Andre Hunter
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Shake Milton, 2031 first-round pick (LAL)
De’Andre Hunter brings a blend of 3-and-D versatility and playoff experience that meshes well with the Lakers’ star core, especially in high-leverage moments. Standing at 6’8″, Hunter can guard multiple wing positions, giving Mike Brown a flexible defensive cover behind LeBron, Luka, and Austin Reaves.
His two-way impact (17.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG) for Cleveland in the playoffs, logging efficient 20+ point outings off the bench, shows his ability to deliver instant scoring and gritty defense when it matters most. However, his history of injuries and occasional offensive inconsistency complicate the cost.
LAL would surrender Rui Hachimura, Shake Milton, and a future first-round pick. It’s a bet on his potential as a dynamic fifth option and elite defender, rounding out a bench that could go toe-to-toe with any elite rotation in the West.
2. Quentin Grimes
Mar 17, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) attempts a free throw after a technical foul against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Quentin Grimes (Sign-and-Trade)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 first-round pick (LAL)
Quentin Grimes represents a high-floor, low-risk upgrade to L.A.’s perimeter shooting and positional defense, although it won’t be easy to convince Philly to part with him. Coming off a hot streak with Philadelphia, a three-year sign-and-trade would bring in a career 37% three-point sniper with length and wing versatility, just what the Lakers need to maximize spacing for Luka’s playmaking.
His fit is obvious: Grimes can sub in for Reaves and immediately floor the court with spot-up spacing, allowing Brown to stagger lineups without losing shooting. The modest investment in Hachimura, Vanderbilt, and a pick feels warranted for a player whose consistency and IQ make him an ideal complementary piece.
3. Andrew Wiggins
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles the basketball against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at Kaseya Center.
Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins
Miami Heat Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 first-round pick (LAL)
Andrew Wiggins offers the Lakers an established two-way wing (18.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG) whose championship pedigree and physical build can immediately anchor perimeter defense, which is why we have floated this connection before. Miami could entertain sending him for the same assets proposed for Hachimura, Vanderbilt, and a first-rounder, especially if they shift focus to smaller, quicker wings.
Wiggins won’t blow you away with stats, but his defensive assignments on elite wings, plus his ability to hit open threes and cut off weak-side help, plug a noticeable gap in L.A.’s bench depth. He brings maturity and defensive integrity, freeing LeBron and Luka to focus on offense while trusting Wiggins to keep plays locked down.
4. Malcolm Brogdon
Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) handles the ball during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Capital One Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Free Agency
Malcolm Brogdon is the kind of professional-grade combo guard this Lakers team desperately needs if they want playoff polish. At 32, he still offers a polished skill set, solid three-point accuracy (38.8% for his career), smart decision-making, and tenacious defense, all while providing another reliable outlet for Luka and LeBron.
He’s not a flashy star, but that’s precisely Brogdon’s appeal: he steadies chaos, paces the offense, and defends intelligently, characteristics that align with Brown’s preference for calculated rotations. If he arrives via sign-and-trade, L.A. would get dependable leadership without gambling on unpredictable buyout signings.
5. Marcus Smart
Mar 13, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Wizards guard Marcus Smart (36) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons forward Simone Fontecchio (19) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Marcus Smart
Washington Wizards Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, Shake Milton
Marcus Smart’s firebrand persona and elite on-ball defense would bring energy and intimidation to L.A.’s backcourt; he’s like a heart transplant for competitive spirit. In trade rumors, Washington’s asking price (Vanderbilt, Knecht, and Milton) might be steep, but Smart’s defensive skills and shot-making in crunch time, plus his guard-switching capabilities, make him a clear culture add.
He’s not coming to score; you pay him for grit and leadership. Brown would deploy him as the defensive dictator on second-unit units, setting the tone for physicality and toughness in a playoff series.
6. Gary Trent Jr.
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) looks for a shot against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) in the first quarter during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Free Agency
Gary Trent Jr. delivered a strong 2024-25 regular season for the Bucks, averaging 11.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 25.6 minutes per game, shooting 43.1% from the field and an impressive 41.6% from three, and connecting at the free-throw line at 84.8%. His three-point volume and accuracy, 2.4 makes per game, could make him a perfect bench option for the Lakers.
But Trent Jr. truly made his mark in the playoffs. His electric 37-point Game 3, where he drained nine threes to tie a franchise record, followed by a 33-point effort in Game 5, showcased his ability to elevate in big games. By giving him a chance to play on a title-contender, Trent Jr. could accept a lesser deal to play in Los Angeles.
7. Gary Payton II
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) rebounds against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Free Agency
Gary Payton II is the quintessential two-way bench player, explosive, pesky, and with uncanny defensive instincts reminiscent of his Hall-of-Fame father.
Insiders report he’s “very much on the Lakers’ radar,” noted for his court awareness, transition-driven scoring, and two-way tenacity after being let go by the Warriors. Payton posted 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 15.0 minutes per game last season.
He’s not a low-risk play; he lacks offensive consistency, but athleticism and defensive versatility make him a perfect end-of-rotation piece. At a minimal cost, Payton II can carve out a meaningful niche in late-game situations, helping the Lakers survive scrappy playoff series.
