Sources close to the situation indicate the Lakers’ next move is to add a wing defender who can also space the floor. The franchise has traditionally used minimum deals to acquire solid role players, and the current plan is to repeat that approach. The goal is to assemble a rotation that can defend multiple positions and knock down three-pointers when Luka Doncic is on the floor, providing balance and floor spacing.
Projected forward options to pair with Doncic include Quentin Grimes and either Jarred Vanderbilt or Jake LaRavia, with current wing options also comprising Sandro Mamukelashvili, Dalton Knecht, and rookie Cameron Carr. To mount a real playoff push next season, additional wing depth is necessary.
What kind of players can the Lakers realistically secure on minimum contracts? Rob Pelinka’s strategy of scouring the market for affordable wings could yield a usable rotation piece, but it’s unlikely to land an obvious starting-caliber player who is still on the market late in the offseason. Some potential targets include players who can defend and shoot:
– Ziaire Williams (former Nets forward) could be in consideration if his value aligns with a minimum deal.
– Matisse Thybulle is known for his defensive prowess and could bolster the Lakers’ defense, especially when paired with Luka and Austin Reaves.
– Nicolas Batum could be attractive as a veteran shooter and defender, offering steadiness and versatility.
– Bruce Brown is a strong option as a bench contributor who has helped winning teams, though his price on the market may command more than a minimum.
The Lakers’ priority remains finding reliable wing defenders who can knock down threes, enabling a lineup that can coexist with Doncic. Yet the current pool of minimum-contract wings lacks clear, high-upside impact players, making the task more challenging. The team might also consider buyout candidates, a route teams sometimes explore when rostering veteran wings who can contribute immediately without long-term commitments. Buyouts can provide a quick upgrade at a lower cost, particularly if a veteran wing is willing to join a contender or a team with a clearer winning trajectory.
The broader context is that Los Angeles did move to strengthen the center position, with Walker Kessler signed to a substantial deal and earmarked as a potential long-term piece in the middle. This focus left the wing position as the main remaining area to address. LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard have already departed or are expected to leave this offseason, creating an even greater need for capable wings to fill the gaps. With Mamukelashvili, Grimes, and a handful of other wings in the mix, the Lakers face pressure to upgrade the rotation without overpaying for players who don’t move the needle.
In the absence of a clear home-run pickup, the Lakers may need to embrace a pragmatic approach: add solid, defensively minded wings on affordable contracts, and remain flexible for buyout opportunities or midseason trades. That path would at least provide a credible supplementary layer to the roster, enabling better lineups and defensive schemes around Doncic. It also keeps the team nimble financially, preserving future options while still aiming to compete for a playoff spot next season.
Bottom line: the Lakers are pursuing depth on the wing through minimum contracts, prioritizing defenders who can shoot and fit around Doncic. While this route may not yield immediate stars, it has the potential to add valuable rotational players who complement the core and address pressing gaps on the wing. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Lakers can land suitable options at favorable prices, or if they will need to pivot to alternative strategies such as buyouts or targeted mid-level signings.
