The Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of work to do this offseason. After a disappointing 2022 campaign where the 2020 champs and title favorites didn’t even make the playoffs, the front office has a full to-do list to get ready for the next season.
They still need to hire a new coach, but roster construction is probably the biggest thing they need to figure out. What are the type of players the Lakers would need to look for this summer?
Versatile Defensive Center
Let’s be real, the small ball lineup for the Lakers last year with LeBron at the five did not really work out. They lacked defensive ability and the ability to fight the big guys down low. Which is why they need a versatile, athletic, agile defensive center who can also provide a little offensive punch. This would work well because AD can’t always play the five, and ball handlers like LeBron and Russ love to have a pick and roll option they can lob to.
Some players with this mold could be the likes of Myles Turner, Mitchell Robinson, Javale McGee, and Clint Capela.
Defensive Minded 3 and D Guards
The Lakers had a heavily offensive minded team. But they need those guys who can perform on both ends of the floor. They lost those 3 and D type of players when they let go of Alex Caruso and KCP last year. They need the players who can give the best guards in the league some trouble.
Top of mind players who fit this mold are Luguentz Dort, Reggie Bullock, Torrey Craig, and Bruce Brown.
Bigger Bench
The Lakers need options off the bench. Sometimes small ball options are key to have, but they also need big lineup options especially when playing against the bigger teams. It’s important to have flexibility with your lineups like that. Players who can play 4 or 5 and provide good size would be very important to have.
Some good big bench options like Nerlens Noel, Davis Bertrans, Bol Bol.
These are just some of the types of players the Lakers should look to adding this offseason, and hopefully the front office will do a good job in assembling the roster for the upcoming season.
Featured Image: Jed Jacobsohn/Noah Graham/nba.com
