With significant projected cap space this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers are widely expected to explore meaningful roster upgrades, particularly depending on LeBron James’ future with the franchise.
James is set to enter unrestricted free agency, and according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Lakers could have roughly $51 million in cap space this summer, even after factoring in Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold. While Reaves is broadly expected to remain in Los Angeles, James’ situation remains far less certain amid ongoing retirement speculation and reported internal tensions.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Lakers are preparing an “all-out pursuit” of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, if such an ambitious move does not materialize, Los Angeles still appears positioned to make multiple upgrades across the roster.
Lakers Could Explore International Market for Undervalued Additions
While the Lakers have reportedly monitored restricted free agents such as Peyton Watson and Tari Eason, acquiring either player could prove complicated, given their current teams retain the right to match any offer sheet.
As a result, unrestricted options and alternative markets are increasingly drawing attention.
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton has identified centers Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III as potential frontcourt targets, along with guard Keon Ellis, who was also linked to Los Angeles at the trade deadline.
Looking beyond the NBA, Lake Show Life’s Josh Cornelissen believes the Lakers could find value overseas, specifically pointing to Partizan guard Isaac Bonga as a potential fit.
“To fill out a championship roster around a core of stars they need to hit on low-cost, high-upside signings and trades as well,” Cornelissen wrote. “One such player who could prove to be an ideal fit is German forward Isaac Bonga.”
“Bonga has caught the eye of NBA teams, starring for Partizan, and it was reported recently that multiple teams reached out to inquire about his buyout with interest in signing him for the stretch run of the season.” “Partizan refused to negotiate his buyout down, but it’s a signal that teams could come calling again this summer. The Lakers don’t need more on-ball players, but they rather need high-energy role players to fill in around their stars. Bonga can do exactly that.”
Bonga Reunion Would Complete Full-Circle Moment
A return to Los Angeles would represent a full-circle moment for Bonga.
The Lakers originally selected the now 26-year-old in the second-round of the 2018 NBA Draft before trading him to the Washington Wizards as part of the broader deal that ultimately brought Anthony Davis to Los Angeles.
Bonga later spent time with the Toronto Raptors during the 2021-22 season before continuing his career overseas. He then returned to his native Germany for a two-year stint with Bayern Munich, where he won the 2024 Bundesliga championship and two German Cup titles.
Over the past two seasons, he has played for Serbian EuroLeague side KK Partizan, winning the domestic league and earning ABA League Best Defender honors in the process. Through 44 games this season, Bonga has averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 26.5 minutes per game, while shooting an efficient 51.1% from the field and 34.2% from three-point range.
“Reunions are a part of the NBA, and the Lakers have been a part of many,” Cornelissen added. “This one would be a slow cast of the boomerang, and could stoke the fires of nostalgia while also securing the perfect piece to build out their rotation around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.”
Bonga’s strong two-way performances both domestically and internationally have not gone unnoticed. According to Meridian Sport, Partizan recently rejected multiple midseason buyout offers for the versatile 6-foot-9 forward, signaling clear NBA interest.
Regardless of whether the Lakers succeed in pursuing a superstar such as Antetokounmpo, players like Bonga represent the type of low-cost, high-upside additions that could quietly strengthen the roster.
With financial flexibility and a clear need for complementary pieces, Los Angeles appears poised to explore every avenue as it prepares for a pivotal offseason.
