Lakers Buyout Market Watchlist

The Los Angeles Lakers weren’t very active at the trade deadline, making just one move: acquiring Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick.

The deal was a modest upgrade for LA, adding one of the NBA’s top three-point shooters. However, the trade also opened up some more cap flexibility to use on the buyout market.

The Lakers have an open roster spot, and here are some candidates they could target on the buyout market.

Lakers Buyout Market Targets

Haywood Highsmith

Haywood Highsmith is the ideal target for LA on the buyout market. After not landing a 3&D forward at the deadline, they still have the opportunity to add one.

However, Highsmith has not suited up in a game this season, posing a risk for the Lakers. Prior to being waived, Highsmith was expected to return to the lineup soon.

In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists on 46/38/72 shooting splits.

If he is healthy, Highsmith would instantly become a rotational player for the purple and gold, as one of their top defenders and shooters.

Haywood Highsmith is drawing interest from several playoff teams. Highsmith’s healthy, is playing 5-on-5, and was set to make his season debut February 11th following meniscus surgery, agent Jerry Dianis told @hoopshype. pic.twitter.com/PiOIAGTCmG

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 5, 2026

Mattise Thybulle

Another player who could reach the buyout market is Mattise Thybulle. The Portland Trail Blazers are looking for ways to convert two-way players Sidy Cissoko and Caleb Love to standard deals. That means they will have to waive two players, and Thybulle is expected to be one of those names.

The 28-year-old is a great defender, but he has struggled to stay on the floor. He is currently out with a torn UCL, but could return sometime in February.

In four games this season, Thybulle is averaging five points per game along with a rebound and 2.5 steals on 60/67/100 shooting splits.

For his career, Thybulle averages 5/2/1 with 1.6 steals on 44/35/67 shooting splits.

He would be a risky addition for the Lakers with his injury history, but he would become one of their best defenders.

Lonzo Ball

Could a reunion with Lonzo Ball be in the works on the buyout market? LA drafted Ball with the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, and was later part of the package for Anthony Davis.

Ball is still a quality defender, but has struggled mightily with his efficiency this season. In 35 games, he is averaging 5/4/4 with 1.3 steals on 30/27/67 shooting splits.

With Vincent gone in a trade, they could use a backup guard, and Ball’s defensive versatility could fit the lineup. However, his inefficiency and injury history would be a concern in signing him.

Lowest FG% this season (min. 150 FGA):

30.1 — Lonzo Ball
32.0 — Jordan Hawkins
32.2 — Mike Conley
33.3 — Rob Dillingham
34.2 — Tyus Jones
34.6 — Gabe Vincent

All but one moved. pic.twitter.com/FUmlGUAinS

— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 5, 2026

Cam Thomas

Perhaps the best player on the buyout market is guard Cam Thomas. Thomas is an explosive scorer, averaging 16/2/3 on 40/33/84 shooting splits.

While Thomas will likely be a key addition for a team that needs a bench scorer, the Lakers should not pursue him, as they already have enough scoring, and he would not address their defensive issues.

Georges Niang

Veteran forward Georges Niang is another intriguing player on the buyout market. The Memphis Grizzlies waived him, and he could be a solid addition if he is healthy.

However, Niang has yet to play this season as he recovers from a left-foot injury and has no timetable to return.

In the 2024-25 season, Niang averaged 10/3/1 on 46/41/79 shooting splits. He is a high-quality shooter with playoff experience who could be valuable for LA.

However, the Lakers should only pursue him if they receive a clear timeline for his return from injury.

Chris Boucher

The Utah Jazz waived veteran center Chris Boucher after being traded at the deadline. Boucher has been a quality big in years past, but struggled with Boston this season.

In nine games, he averaged just 2.3 points and two rebounds on 32/13/75 shooting splits. The year prior, Boucher was solid for the Toronto Raptors, averaging 10/5/1 on 49/36/78 shooting splits.

However, with Boucher’s regression this season and the Lakers’ more pressing need being a 3&D forward, they should pass on signing him.

“I don’t know what he’s going to do. Chris Paul’s probably one of my favorite players ever… it’s a weird thing to trade for him… he’s at this point in his career… we’ll waive him here at the appropriate time.”

Raptors GM Bobby Webster on CP3 🗣pic.twitter.com/AMeiQ3aCnB

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 6, 2026

Chris Paul

A player who has long been linked to the purple and gold is future Hall of Famer Chris Paul. Paul is in the final season of his career, and had planned to finish it with the Clippers, but they sent him home and eventually traded him to the Toronto Raptors, who plan to waive him.

Paul appeared in 16 games, averaging 3/2/3 on 32/33/50 shooting splits. The 40-year-old was once traded to the Lakers to team up with Kobe Bryant, but commissioner David Stern vetoed the deal.

At this stage of his career, Paul does not make sense for the Lakers. The trade that should’ve been will always be a what-if, as it could’ve helped Bryant win another title, and Paul finish his career with a ring.

Final Thoughts

Rob Pelinka and the front office took a conservative approach at the deadline and will now look to add one of these players on the buyout market, with Highsmith as the clear-cut fit for the roster.