4 Buyout Candidates Lakers Should Target After Mark Williams Trade Falls Through
By Cem Yolbulan
3. Kelly Olynyk, New Orleans Pelicans
While Olynyk is arguably the best player mentioned so far, he is also the worst fit on the Lakers.
The Lakers desperately need more defense after the Luka Doncic acquisition. With Austin Reaves, Doncic, and LeBron James in the lineup, the remaining two spots have to go to defense-first players to make them a viable playoff defense. Olynyk couldn't be farther from a defense-first player.
At the same time, he is probably better than his reputation suggests. He moves well, takes charges, and is a smart player overall. While not possessing good athleticism or physical tools, he is 6'11".
Olynyk's calling card is on the offensive end of the floor. A versatile offensive player, Olynyk, can handle the ball, shoot, pass, and score the ball in a variety of ways. The 33-year-old Canadian could add another dimension to the Lakers offense, making them utterly unstoppable.
However, Olynyk is among the less likely buyout candidates. He has one more year on his contract, paying him $13.4 million for the 2025-26 season. Agreeing on a contract buyout with so much money left on their deal is only possible if the player really wants to get out of their current situation and play for a title. Whether that is the case for Olynyk remains to be seen.