Mark Walter buying a majority share of the Los Angeles Lakers has sent shockwaves through the NBA community. Many experts see this as a turning point for a franchise that has failed to get out of the first round of the NBA playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
The Lakers may have All-Stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić on the books, but the payroll situation still needs to be sorted out for an organization that has traded away most of their future first-round picks.
This ownership change has brought renewed optimism and hope, but the Lakers still have to fill out their expensive roster with a handful of bargain players.
Jovan Buha Names Six Minimum Veteran Players That Could Be a Fit for Lakers’ Roster in 2025–26
Walter will need to address some roster issues right now.
In July 2023, Austin Reaves was signed to a four-year, $54 million deal. In 2024, James signed a two-year, $101.35 million deal that could potentially see him earn $52.62 million next year. Dončić, who was acquired in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks, is in line for a superman contract that would see the Slovenian superstar earn $345 million over the next five years.
Los Angeles will jump back into the market this offseason and will likely look for some bargain deals. Lakers writer Jovan Buha from The Athletic believes there are some possible fits out there. During a recent video released by Buha, he named six players that he feels the Lakers could pursue this offseason.
“The first category is the Gary Trent corollary,” Buha said. “And these are players who I think should go for at least the taxpayer MLE, if not potentially part or full non-taxpayer. But I think because of the market and where things are currently at, they will potentially slip through the cracks.
“We have Bruce Brown Jr., Gary Payton II, Larry Nance Jr., Precious Achiuwa, Amir Coffey, and Taurean Prince.”
Buha goes on to say that Brown Jr., Prince and Payton II are all players that will likely get the taxpayer MLE but they could be available for the Lakers.
Buha believes that Brown Jr. could be an ideal candidate for the Lakers when it comes to this batch of players. Brown Jr. spent last season with the Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans. He played in 41 games and averaged 8.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.8 steals.
Brown Jr., listed at 6’4″ and 202 pounds, is a versatile player that can play a variety of positions. With 457 NBA games under his belt, he is an experienced player who can contribute as a starter or off the bench.