Lakers Free Agency Watchlist
The Los Angeles Lakers are in full offseason mode after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
Ahead of free agency, we break down a free agency watchlist for the Lakers.
Should the Lakers target anyone on the free agency market? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/yCLKJ3DVcr
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) May 8, 2025
Lakers Watchlist
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
One of the top targets for the Lakers this offseason should be Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Alexander-Walker is a quality 3&D wing who would fit around LA’s stars.
Alexander-Walker had a good season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, playing in all 82 games, averaging 9/3/3 on 44/38/78 shooting splits.
The 26-year-old wing is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and he could have a competitive market. The Timberwolves would like to bring Alexander-Walker back, but with other key free agents in Julius Randle and Naz Reid (player options), they will have tough decisions to make.
This gives the Lakers the opportunity to pursue Alexander-Walker, who could be a starter or a key bench player for LA.
Clint Capela
Clint Capela is a center that the Purple and Gold could pursue in free agency. Capela is a lob threat and rim protector who could fit alongside Luka Doncic.
The 30-year-old big man is an unrestricted free agent and would be an upgrade at center for the Lakers. Across 55 games for the Atlanta Hawks, Capela averaged 9/9/1 with a block per game while shooting 55.9% from the field.
Capela would be highly impactful off the bench, but he could be a bridge starter if the Lakers are unable to acquire a major upgrade at center.
Steven Adams
Steven Adams is another center the Lakers could target in free agency. Adams was a key bench piece for the Houston Rockets in the first round against the Golden State Warriors.
Adams averaged 4/6/1, shooting 54.5% across 57 games in the regular season. In the playoffs, Adams averaged 6/7/1 with 1.1 blocks, shooting 60% from the field.
Adams isn’t a starting-caliber threat or the lob threat that fits with Doncic, but he would add toughness and rebounding off the bench.
Bruce Brown
The Lakers have previously targeted Bruce Brown, a wing who they could be interested in this offseason. Brown was a key role player for the 2023 NBA Champion Denver Nuggets.
In the 2024-25 season, Brown appeared in 41 games, averaging 8/4/2 on 42/33/83 shooting splits. The 28-year-old could provide defense at the wing position for LA.
While he was more productive during his time with the Nuggets, Brown would still be a solid addition for the Purple and Gold.
Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is another wing that the Lakers could pursue in free agency. Hardaway Jr. was a key veteran for the Detroit Pistons in the 2024-25 season.
Across 77 games, Hardaway Jr. averaged 11/2/2 on 41/37/86 shooting splits. His defense and three-point shooting would be valuable next to Doncic and LeBron James.
Another benefit to signing Hardaway Jr. is his established chemistry with Doncic. The two played together in Dallas for six seasons.
The 33-year-old wing would be a quality addition to the Lakers’ bench unit.
Most Points Per Possession On Spot Ups For The 2024-25 NBA Playoffs (Min. 20 Total Spot Up Possessions) :
1. Aaron Nesmith — 1.61
2. Gary Trent Jr. — 1.60
3. Tim Hardaway Jr. — 1.54
4. Kawhi Leonard — 1.48
5.… https://t.co/t7lTZs2Frd pic.twitter.com/ayEagkgTlK— Stat Defender (@statdefender) May 8, 2025
Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. could be another quality addition as a 3&D wing for the roster. Trent Jr. played well for the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 11/2/1 with a steal per game on 43/42/85 shooting splits.
Trent Jr. had a couple of big playoff games for the Bucks, scoring 37 and 33 in games where the Bucks needed offense out of a role player.
His defense, shooting, and scoring would make him a welcome addition for the LakeShow.
Guerschon Yabusele
Guerschon Yabusele had an impactful rookie campaign for the Philadelphia 76ers. Yabusele averaged 11/6/2 on 50/38/73 shooting splits.
The 29-year-old is a versatile big who would give the Lakers more size, rebounding, and shooting in their lineup.
While Yabusele’s season has gone under the radar as the 76ers struggled, he could be a steal of a signing if the Lakers can acquire him.
Bobby Portis Jr.
Bobby Portis Jr. has been a key veteran for the Bucks and would be a solid addition as a scorer and versatile big.
Portis Jr. averaged 14/8/2 for the Bucks on 47/37/84 shooting splits. The 30-year-old big man would space the floor for LA and provide defensive versatility.
Day’Ron Sharpe was top 3 in:
Offensive rebounds/Minute
Offensive rebound%It’s time to start recognizing his excellence. pic.twitter.com/b2QhzOzVRu
— NetsMuse (@NetsMuse) April 26, 2025
Day’Ron Sharpe
Day’Ron Sharpe is a restricted free agent whom the Lakers could target. Sharpe has been a solid big man for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 8/7/2, shooting 52.1% from the floor.
Sharpe is not the starting center that the Lakers are looking for, but he could be a serviceable backup.
However, the Nets could match any offer he receives in free agency since he is a restricted free agent.
Chris Boucher
Chris Boucher is another depth big that LA could pursue in free agency. Boucher averaged 10/5/1 on 49/36/78 shooting splits.
The 32-year-old is not a starting-caliber big man, but as a depth piece, he could be solid.
Final Thoughts
The Lakers don’t have a ton of flexibility in free agency and will likely be more active on the trade market. However, these ten players could be solid depth additions for the Lakers.
