After the Lakers’ lone addition of Luke Kennard at the trade deadline, they are still left with an open spot that could be handled in several ways. The team still needs some decent two-way players willing to help the bench. Whether they’re guards, wings or bigs, quite a few names could fill that void.
3 Options for the Los Angeles Lakers’ Vacant Roster Spot
The Preferred Route: Buyout Market
As reports have suggested, the Lakers will mainly look to the buyout market for help, much like they’ve done in the past few seasons after minor moves at the deadline. Similar to their list of trade targets, there’s no shortage of free agents who fit the team’s needs.
Arguably the most popular candidate looking for a new team is Cam Thomas, who the Nets waived months after an offseason saga. At 24 years old, Thomas is a microwave scorer, averaging 15.6 points despite relatively poor shooting splits (40% FG, 32% 3PT, 84% FT). For a bench that’s been bereft of bucket-getters this season, Thomas seems like a natural offensive fit, particularly as a shooter around the Lakers’ big three.
Fellow former Net Haywood Highsmith is another option. He has yet to play this season following surgery on a torn meniscus, but he was cleared for five-on-five action and holds value as a 3-and-D wing—a critical need the Lakers searched for at the deadline but couldn’t land.
And if improving the defense remains a priority, two more names should come to mind. Former Laker Lonzo Ball was traded to and released by the Jazz, and he has become a decent backup point guard (4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.3 steals) after years of recovering from injuries. Though not officially waived, Blazers wing Matisse Thybulle is at least a “buyout candidate.” The former Lakers trade target could boost the team’s defense if he’s let go and fully healthy.
