Updated Lakers Buyout Market Watchlist
The Lakers will be players on the buyout market following their very active trade deadline. They improved their depth significantly with the moves that they made. However, with an open roster spot, Rob Pelinka could make another pickup to help out the team.
Washington Wizards guard Will Barton has completed a contract buyout ahead of the March 1 deadline to become eligible to join a playoff roster on a new team, sources tell ESPN. Barton will become a free agent once he clears waivers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 21, 2023
A candidate that would bring extra wing depth is Will Barton. Barton was bought out by the Wizards. He has played in 40 games this season, averaging 8/3/2 while shooting 38% from three.
Barton is a solid 3&D wing that would give Darvin Ham’s rotation even more depth. He would provide more spacing with his three-point shooting ability while being a solid defender. Barton has underperformed this year, but with an open roster spot, he could be worth signing.
REPORT: The Rockets waive John Wall, via @TheSteinLine. pic.twitter.com/3ZtEhYH858
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 12, 2023
Another player on the buyout market is John Wall. Wall is one of the better players on the market but is way past the prime of his career. In 34 games with the Clippers, he averaged 11/3/5, shooting 40.8% from the field and 30.3% from three.
While Wall is a talented player, he doesn’t fit this team well. The front office would be wise to stay away from signing him, as he would not be a good fit.
At this point of the buyout market, the options for players that would make an impact is limited. Players like Kevin Love, Danny Green, Terrence Ross, and Reggie Jackson have signed with new teams.
One more option that Pelinka could pursue is DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins would be a depth big man, but he has not played this season. In 48 games last season, he averaged 9/6/2 shooting 30.3% from three. Cousins was a star but has not played this season, and LA's frontcourt depth would leave no minutes in the rotation for him.
“23 of the most important regular season games of my career.”
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) February 19, 2023
LEBRON IS LOCKED IN ON THIS PLAYOFF PUSH 💯 pic.twitter.com/hXq9apsf2N
With where the buyout market stands, the only player that could help the Lakers is Barton. If they can bring him in, it would be a good depth move. However, the trade deadline improved the depth so much that this roster could make a playoff push and potentially a deep playoff run without making any more additions.