The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be a promising team this season, having rebounded from several years of struggle to remain among the top teams in the Western Conference. Following their victory over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, they sit second in the West with a 16–5 record, coming off a loss to the Suns after a seven-game winning streak and featuring what many consider the best starting five in the league, plus one remaining roster spot.
With that in mind, the team can still look at the top five free agents who could help them win a championship this year.
Top Free Agents Lakers Should Pursue
Chris Paul
Chris Paul initially signed with the Los Angeles Clippers over the summer. However, due to behavioral issues he had with the Clippers, the president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, removed him from the team.
This comes as a shock to many, especially considering that Paul announced that this season would be his retirement tour. However, there can’t be a tour if he isn’t playing for a team. According to reports, Paul will actively seek a team willing to take him on.
One of those teams could be the Lakers. Back in 2011, Paul was supposed to team up with the late Kobe Bryant, but then-NBA Commissioner David Stern turned the idea down at the time.
This could be Paul’s chance to don the colors purple and gold, finally. Picking the veteran guard up also makes sense for the Lakers. The team currently has the worst bench in the league. Adding Paul to the mix could improve their roster’s depth.
Additionally, what better way to celebrate his retirement tour than to end his career with his close friend, LeBron James? Throughout James’ 23-year career, he has played with two of his “Banana Boat Squad” buddies, namely, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony. The only other friend missing on that list is Paul.
Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley is no stranger to the Lakers. Back in the 2022-23 season, Beasley suited up for Los Angeles in 26 regular-season games. He then contributed to the Lakers’ playoff run, shocking the NBA world with a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2023.
While his stint with the Lakers was cut short, it doesn’t mean he can’t make a comeback to the team. Looking at his numbers last season with the Detroit Pistons, he scored an efficient 16.3 points per game. He was also the Pistons’ most consistent player that season, playing in all 82 games.
Tristan Thompson
Another familiar face to James in free agency at the moment is Tristan Thompson. James and Thompson have a rich history together, having won a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. While Thompson may no longer be as efficient as he once was, his presence inside the paint and his championship experience could help bolster the Lakers’ roster.
As of the Lakers’ current roster, they only have two big men to rely on, namely, DeAndre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes. Introducing Thompson into the mix would provide the team with more rim protection, which is currently something they lack.
Ben Simmons
An unpopular player on this list is Ben Simmons. Over the years, Simmons’ value has diminished, as he has proven to be injury-prone and inconsistent in knocking down jump shots. However, Simmons’ abilities on the court aren’t limited.
Simmons is known for being a floor general and excels at making plays for his teammates. While the Lakers are stacked with ball handlers like LeBron, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves, having the Australian help create shot opportunities for the second unit wouldn’t be a bad thing. When healthy, Simmons also hustles for the rebound, which the Lakers are still in need of despite having Ayton and Hayes in their lineup.
Markieff Morris
If the Lakers are looking to add to their championship experience, bringing back Markieff Morris is an option. The drawback of bringing Morris into the team is that they’re signing a player who’s mostly injured. However, his contributions in the Lakers’ 2020 NBA Finals victory will serve as a good day to bring in a winning culture to the bench.
With a 16-5 record and a star-studded starting lineup, the Lakers are already championship contenders. However, the NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint, and depth is often the deciding factor in the playoffs. Whether they choose playmaking with Paul or Simmons, shooting with Beasley, or veteran toughness with Thompson or Morris, filling that final roster spot could be the move that secures banner number 18.
