Lakers buyout market watchlist
The Los Angeles Lakers made significant moves at the trade deadline and now shift their focus to the buyout market. The Purple and Gold have an open roster spot and could use depth around their new additions, including Luka Doncic, Mark Williams, and Dorian Finney-Smith.
With the new acquisitions here and the Lakers on a roll, let’s break down the players LA should target on the buyout market.
As everyone has noted, Josh Richardson is at the top of my buyout market wishlist for the #Lakers
— Matthew Peralta (@_MatthewPeralta) February 6, 2025
Josh Richardson
The Lakers are looking to add another shooting guard to the roster via the buyout market. Richardson is a veteran 3&D wing but has struggled this season.
Richardson appeared in eight games with the Miami Heat this season, averaging 4/2/2 with a steal on 29/27/100 shooting splits.
While Richardson’s efficiency has been abysmal this season, he has proven in the past to be a solid role player. He also only played in eight games, which is a small sample size.
Richardson has also played with Doncic before, as he played 59 games with the Dallas Mavericks in the 2020-21 season. Adding a veteran wing for depth like Richardson would be a good move for the Lakers.
Dennis Smith Jr.
Dennis Smith Jr. could be another option for LA. Smith Jr. is currently playing for Real Madrid of the Spanish Liga ACB and the EuroLeague, but played with the Brooklyn Nets last season.
Smith Jr. appeared in 56 games with Brooklyn, averaging 7/3/4 with 1.2 steals on 44/29/74 shooting splits. The 27-year-old brings athleticism and perimeter defense to a team.
Smith Jr. is another player who has played with Doncic, albeit only 32 games during Luka’s rookie season. He could be a solid depth add at guard on the buyout market.
Lonnie Walker IV, who signed an overseas contract prior to this season, can return to the NBA via an escape clause by February 18.
Walker is generating interest from multiple contenders as a veteran’s minimum signing on the buyout market. pic.twitter.com/KkMrlW0i6l
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 7, 2025
Lonnie Walker IV
Lonnie Walker IV is a familiar name for Lakers fans who could be a target on the buyout market. Walker IV played for LA in the 2022-23 season, averaging 12/2/1 on 42/38/86 shooting splits.
After spending the 2023-24 season with the Nets and not being elevated to a contract with the Boston Celtics after a training camp deal prior to this season, Walker IV is playing overseas.
In 19 games in the EuroLeague, Walker IV is averaging 14/3/2 on 45/33/86 shooting splits. The 26-year-old wing has familiarity with the Lakers organization and could be a solid addition. He would bring scoring, solid defense, and athleticism to the team.
Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson is another veteran guard who could be an option for the Purple and Gold. Jackson appeared in 31 games with the Philadelphia 76ers this season before being traded to the Washington Wizards and waived.
Jackson is averaging 4/1/2 on 39/34/78 shooting splits. The 34-year-old guard is just a year removed from being a key rotational piece for the Denver Nuggets.
While he’s not the player he once was, Jackson could be a solid depth guard for the LakeShow.
Daniel Theis
Although a shooting guard is the main target for LA, Daniel Theis could be an option at center for more big depth. Theis played 38 games for the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 4/4/2 on 47/24/84 shooting splits.
The 32-year-old big man hasn’t played well this season but has been a decent backup big for teams in the past. If the Lakers decide to go with a big on the buyout market, Theis is their best option.
Potential buyout candidates all teams can sign:
Seth Curry
Cam Reddish
Josh Richardson
Jaden Springer
Patty Mills
Daniel Theis
P.J. Tucker
Reggie Jackson
Johnny Davis
Jalen Hood-Schifino— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) February 6, 2025
Seth Curry
One player who should be on the Lakers’ radar is Seth Curry. Curry, who plays for the Charlotte Hornets, is considered a buyout candidate.
If Curry were waived, he could be a great signing as a shooter for LA. The Lakers moved one of their best shooters, Dalton Knecht, in the deal to acquire Williams.
Adding an elite three-point shooter like Curry, who’s shooting 45.1% from three across 41 games this season, would provide spacing next to Doncic and LeBron James.
Curry has also played with Doncic before, which would make for instant chemistry between the two.
Chris Duarte
Chris Duarte is a 27-year-old wing who could be a depth signing for LA. This season, he played in 17 games for the Chicago Bulls but played very few minutes.
Duarte showed promise in his first two seasons with the Indiana Pacers and could be worth signing as a flier.
Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office have some more work to do after a busy trade deadline. They should consider adding one of these players via the buyout market.
