It was an absolute whirlwind of a season for the Los Angeles Lakers. They traded away Anthony Davis in exchange for Luka Dončić and harbored slight hopes of making a run through the Western Conference, but were promptly defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in the first round.
Yet, they’re still in a favorable position with Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves gelling together late in the season and inspiring belief that they could retool their team — which was exposed in the playoffs — and come back stronger next year.
5 Players the Lakers Should Try To Sign This Offseason
The 2025 free agency class has long been known as a relatively weak group in comparison to other years. However, there are a number of high-level role players among them that the Lakers could attempt to sign — although they’re already in salary cap trouble, having crossed over the “first apron” and currently just $670,129 away from the vaunted “second apron.”
They have multiple expiring contracts on their roster and can refigure certain things cap-wise, but the reality is that LA doesn’t have a ton of money to spend.
With that in mind, which players could the Lakers realistically sign that would make the biggest impact come 2026?
Clint Capela, C, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks’ starting center this past season, Capela is expected to be on a different team next season with the emergence of backup big man Onyeka Okongwu. Excelling in the pick-and-roll with James Harden and the Houston Rockets early in his career, Capela was a solid piece in Atlanta as Trae Young’s primary screener.
His fit on the Lakers would be clear-cut: set picks for Dončić and roll to the hoop ready for nifty bounce passes or lobs above the rim, something Capela is still comfortable doing at age 30. Although he doesn’t add a ton defensively, as he’s averaged just a block per game in 2024, he’s a veteran presence on that end and is versatile enough to be used in multiple different coverages.
Malcolm Brogdon, G, Washington Wizards
Largely off the map during the past two seasons spent with the Portland Trail Blazers and Wizards, Brogdon will be able to pick his next team in free agency. He was named the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year while averaging 14.9 points and 3.7 assists per game.
The Lakers need depth at the guard position outside of Gabe Vincent, who largely plays off the ball. If his price tag is low enough, it wouldn’t hurt to add a veteran in Brogdon who has a mature playing style featuring patience and craftiness.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, G, Minnesota Timberwolves
Alexander-Walker played a key role as a reserve defensive stopper in the Timberwolves’ five-game series victory over the Lakers. He’s not just a lengthy, versatile defender on the perimeter; he also shoots 38.1% from three-point range and has improved his slashing and creating ability each year he’s been in the league.
Entering unrestricted free agency, he’s expected to command a large pay raise from his two-year, $9 million deal signed in 2023. LA easily could be priced out of his market — that is, if general manager Rob Pelinka isn’t able to maneuver some contracts via trade to open up cap space. It’s a long shot, but the Lakers would greatly benefit from Alexander-Walker’s presence either in the starting lineup or as the sixth man.
Steven Adams, C, Houston Rockets
It’s not flashy, but Adams showed during Houston’s playoff series against the Golden State Warriors that he can still dominate down low with his physicality. In just over 22 minutes per game, he averaged 6.6 rebounds and beat down the Warriors’ undersized lineup for what seemed like offensive rebound after offensive rebound.
That would likely be exactly Adams’ role with the Lakers: play limited minutes, either starting or off the bench, and provide effort on the boards and defensively, as he registered eight blocks in the series. Expected to have a low price tag, the Rockets center is a valuable locker room guy as well.
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Trendon Watford, F, Brooklyn Nets
Possibly an unknown name to casual fans, Watford had a nice season for the Nets. Standing 6’8″ and weighing 237 pounds, the fourth-year forward is sturdy but has a nice floor game with the use of a deceptive toolbox of skills. He’s comfortable roaming on the perimeter and is a good screen-setter, an important standard for future Lakers.
He averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game last season in a reserve role. While that’s probably his ceiling, LA doesn’t need world-beaters. They need players who are cheap and will be more than happy filling a role, two things that describe Watford.
