Five Players the Lakers May Pursue on the Buyout Market
five-players-the-lakers-may-pursue-on-the-buyout-market
The Los Angeles Lakers opened a roster slot by dealing Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for Luke Kennard ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Because both contracts expire this summer and Kennard earns slightly less than Vincent, the team still has enough room to add a veteran from the impending buyout market.
While the front office could promote an in-house option—two-way center Drew Timme has performed well, and guard Kobe Bufkin recently impressed on a 10-day deal—several external candidates fit specific needs.
Cam Thomas
The Brooklyn Nets reserve averages 15.2 points per game for his career and is known for instant offense. Los Angeles owns one of the league’s lowest-scoring benches, making Thomas an attractive scoring boost, though his playmaking and defense remain question marks.
Haywood Highsmith
The former Miami Heat forward has shot at least 38% from three-point range in each of the last two seasons and can guard multiple positions. Highsmith has not appeared this year because of a torn meniscus but has resumed five-on-five work. If healthy, he would add a true two-way wing that the roster lacks.
Lonzo Ball
After missing two full seasons with knee issues, Ball is no longer the explosive athlete who entered the league, yet he still possesses high basketball IQ, multi-positional defense and secondary playmaking. Should his outside shot resurface, the former No. 2 overall pick could fortify the perimeter.
Chris Boucher
The 6-9 shot-blocker once provided weak-side rim protection and floor spacing for Toronto. Although he has struggled to find rhythm this season, a new environment might restore his high-energy style, giving the Lakers another frontcourt option for select matchups.
Matisse Thybulle
If the Portland Trail Blazers reach a buyout, Thybulle would be arguably the best perimeter stopper available. He is a career 33% three-point shooter, but Los Angeles has monitored him in the past and could offer a more substantial role than other contenders.
The Lakers have used the buyout market with mixed results in previous years, signing players such as Markieff Morris, Andre Drummond and Spencer Dinwiddie. With one spot open and postseason positioning in mind, the organization is expected to evaluate all options once contracts begin to settle after the deadline.
Source: Lakers Nation
