LOS ANGELES — Fixing the Lakers’ bench crisis requires a total overhaul of the second unit to ensure that the core of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves aren’t left carrying a historic burden. The class of 2026 NBA free agents holds some gems hidden in plain sight.
Fixing The Lakers’ Bench Crisis With 6 High-IQ Playoff Risers
Fixing the Lakers’ bench crisis became an immediate priority following their postseason exit at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, a series that served as a sobering reality check for the Los Angeles front office. Despite the Herculean efforts of LeBron—who was forced into a high-usage “Number 1” role due to Luka’s lingering injuries—the Lakers simply ran out of gas.
While the coaching staff under JJ Redick managed to squeeze every ounce of production out of a top-heavy roster, the bench rotation was a disaster. Ranking 12th in bench points, the Lakers’ starters were frequently gassed by the fourth quarter because the second unit couldn’t be trusted to maintain, let alone extend, a lead.
With LeBron’s future in LA uncertain as he potentially explores free agency for “one last run,” Rob Pelinka must aggressively target these six playoff risers who proved they can perform when the lights are brightest.
1. Collin Gillespie | Guard | Phoenix Suns
Collin Gillespie is the definition of a “JJ Redick player.” He’s a high-IQ, low-turnover floor general who isn’t afraid of the moment. After a regular season where he provided steady relief for Phoenix, Collin Gillespie remained poised against relentless on-ball pressure in the first round, proving he can be the primary backup ball-handler the Lakers have lacked for years.
Playoff Scoring: 10.0 PPG
Three-Point Shooting: 40% (on 6.3 attempts/game)
Assist-to-Turnover Ratio: 3.8
2. Matisse Thybulle | Wing | Portland Trail Blazers
Matisse Thybulle remains a premier perimeter disruptor despite a season hampered by injuries. While his postseason shooting was a struggle, his defensive tape is a masterpiece. For a Lakers team that struggled to contain OKC’s perimeter speed, Thybulle’s “stocks” (steals + blocks) provide the chaotic defensive element the second unit desperately needs.
Defensive Ceiling: 4.0 stocks per 36 minutes
Impact: Elite point-of-attack disruption and transition lane filling.
3. Keon Ellis | Wing | Cleveland Cavaliers
Keon Ellis has immediately fit the 3-and-D archetype in Cleveland after his mid-season move. His impact as a perimeter “slinger” is exactly what the Lakers need to flank Luka and Reaves. His ability to hit the open three while guarding the opponent’s best player makes him a high-value UFA target for a cap-flexible Lakers team.
4. Dean Wade | Forward | Cleveland Cavaliers
Dean Wade is the “silent assassin” of defensive analytics and is a primary reason Cleveland stayed competitive in the early rounds. He is a “tough assignment” specialist who has spent this Eastern Conference Finals run taking on the league’s elite and winning the individual matchups. The Lockdown List: Cade Cunningham:10/25 FG, Brandon Ingram: 3/14 FG, and Jalen Brunson: 4/9 FG
5. Marvin Bagley III | Big | Dallas Mavericks
Marvin Bagley III has finally found his lane as a bruising, double-double threat. With the Lakers desperately needing size that doesn’t sacrifice mobility, Bagley is an intriguing UFA target. He provides the vertical spacing and interior toughness to give the Lakers’ aging frontcourt a much-needed physical breather.
6. Robert Williams III | Center | Portland Trail Blazers
The Lakers have long been linked to “Time Lord,” and Pelinka’s patience may finally pay off. Williams proved he is still one of the league’s premier rim-protectors, averaging 1.2 BPG in limited playoff minutes. Most impressively, he flashed a newfound willingness to shoot from deep (3-of-9 in the playoffs), which would be a game-changer next to Luka’s gravity.
Credit:© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
