{"id":176546,"date":"2026-02-06T15:23:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T20:23:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=176546"},"modified":"2026-02-06T15:23:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T20:23:33","slug":"3-options-for-the-los-angeles-lakers-vacant-roster-spot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/02\/06\/3-options-for-the-los-angeles-lakers-vacant-roster-spot\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Options for the Los Angeles Lakers’ Vacant Roster Spot"},"content":{"rendered":"

After the Lakers\u2019 lone addition<\/a> of Luke Kennard<\/a> 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\u2019re guards, wings or bigs, quite a few names could fill that void.<\/span><\/p>\n

3 Options for the Los Angeles Lakers’ Vacant Roster Spot<\/h2>\n

The Preferred Route: Buyout Market<\/h3>\n
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Jan 1, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As reports have suggested, the Lakers will mainly <\/span>look to the buyout market<\/span><\/a> for help, much like they\u2019ve done in the past few seasons after minor moves at the deadline. Similar to their list of trade targets, there\u2019s no shortage of free agents who fit the team\u2019s needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Arguably the most popular candidate looking for a new team is <\/span>Cam Thomas<\/span><\/a>, who the Nets waived months after an offseason saga. At 24 years old, Thomas is a <\/span>microwave scorer<\/span><\/a>, averaging 15.6 points despite relatively poor shooting splits (40% FG, 32% 3PT, 84% FT). For a bench that\u2019s been bereft of bucket-getters this season, Thomas seems like a natural offensive fit, particularly as a shooter around the Lakers’ big three.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fellow former Net <\/span>Haywood Highsmith<\/span><\/a> is another option. He has yet to play this season following surgery on a torn meniscus, but he was <\/span>cleared for five-on-five action<\/span><\/a> and holds value as a 3-and-D wing\u2014a critical need the Lakers searched for at the deadline but couldn\u2019t land.<\/span><\/p>\n

And if improving the defense remains a priority, two more names should come to mind. Former Laker <\/span>Lonzo Ball<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>Matisse Thybulle<\/span><\/a> is at least a <\/span>\u201cbuyout candidate.\u201d<\/span><\/a> The <\/span>former Lakers trade target<\/span><\/a> could boost the team\u2019s defense if he\u2019s let go and fully healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Promotion: Timme Time<\/h3>\n
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Jan 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Drew Timme (17) shoots in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Former Gonzaga star <\/span>Drew Timme<\/span><\/a> signed a two-way contract with the Lakers in November. While he has seen limited opportunities since then, he has given the team a new look in the frontcourt. Known as a physical forward-center who can decently space the floor, Timme is averaging 3.1 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists across 16 games. He\u2019s also shooting 55% from the field, 35% from deep and 66% from the free-throw line.<\/span><\/p>\n

Timme\u2019s main highlight of the year came in a loss to the Trail Blazers, where he dropped a <\/span>season-high 21 points<\/span><\/a> (9\/12 FG, 3\/4 3PT) with four assists, two rebounds and two steals. It was an all-around performance where he drilled threes off the catch, finished well in the post and on drives, and played the pick-and-roll to perfection\u2014often with a floater.<\/span><\/p>\n

While not the most athletic at 6\u20199\u201d and 235 pounds, he makes up for it with his size, strength, and smarts. The <\/span>Lakers<\/span><\/a> would be remiss not to <\/span>consider Timme<\/span><\/a> for a guaranteed contract, giving him a better chance to grow his game as a scorer, defender and playmaker.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Look at how Drew Timme seals out both Jamal Murray and Bruce Brown on this LeBron drive. <\/p>\n

Feel like I haven't seen Lakers bigs do this much on drives for the perimeter players this year, but it's a huge value add. Not just the scoring stuff with him, IMO. Little things add up. pic.twitter.com\/vAysSQf3N6<\/a><\/p>\n

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) January 21, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n