This NBA offseason is expected to be one of historic proportions, and the Los Angeles Lakers will be one of many teams making some moves to their roster. With LeBron James set to return, and Luka Doncic already preparing for his first full season in Los Angeles, the Lakers are feeling massive pressure to them a roster that can compete in the West.
Unfortunately for the Lake Show, options are somewhat limited given they have almost no financial flexibility this summer. They are currently on the books for over $192 million with negative cap space, but they do have some exceptions that will allow them to bring in a few key players.
The non-taxpayer mid-level exception could allow the Lakers to sign a player to a contract worth roughly $14.1 million. The bi-annual exception is valued at $5.1 million to use for contracts up to two years. It’s not much, but it might just be enough to make a difference, especially if the Lakers make moves on the trade market.
While the premium targets remain priced out for the Lakers, there are at least three players whom they could sign that might find a consistent role in JJ Redick’s rotation next season.
Larry Nance Jr.
As a nine-year veteran and former Laker, Larry Nance Jr. is a great option for the Purple and Gold, and he’s a realistic choice after making $11.2 million in the 2024-25 season. While undersized for his position, Nance Jr. uses his length, power, and athleticism to help his team, and his skills could prove especially useful next to Luka Doncic, who thrives next to athletic rim-runners.
In 24 games this season, he averaged 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on 51.6% shooting for the Hawks. With an uncertain future ahead, Nance could be lured back to Los Angeles (where he spent his first two and a half seasons) for the chance to win a championship alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Chris Paul
As a 12x All-Star, 11x All-NBA player, and 9x All-Defensive star, 40-year-old Chris Paul has nothing left to prove in the NBA. After his latest stop in San Antonio, Paul was thought to be considering retirement, but now we know there’s a good chance he’ll return for his 21st season. While he may not be the point guard he once was, he’d be a solid choice to serve as Luka’s backup off the bench.
Besides two decades of experience, Paul brings a special kind of ability to the Lakers. His skills as a floor general and playmaker would bring stability to the bench and bring out the most of the team’s depth. Paul’s relationship with LeBron James would ensure that the Lakers maintain a healthy and cooperative locker room with every player in sync and connected with the ultimate chemistry.
Naz Reid
It’s no secret that the Lakers need a big man this summer, and Naz Reid is everything they are hoping for. After a disappointing season, he may not return to the Timberwolves, and he may forgo a bigger payday for the opportunity to join a contending Lakers team. As a more traditional center, his arrival in free agency would give them the interior presence they need without gutting their team of assets.
With averages of 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on 46.2% shooting this season, he was a core member of the Timberwolves, and his work ethic, determination, and fearless approach have made a strong impression over the past two years. His exact value is still somewhat of a mystery to NBA experts, but he won’t come cheap with a $15 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
It remains to be seen what happens in free agency this summer, but Rob Pelinka is unlikely to let it go by without making any moves. With a potential championship on the line, he knows the pressure is high to make improvements, but any wrong moves at this point could threaten to destabilize their entire situation.
