5 Players the Lakers Must Target to Salvage Offseason

The Los Angeles Lakers are still looking to make their first free-agent signing of the summer. After miserably missing out on their top targets, the Lakers are running out of time to turn the ship around. If GM Rob Pelinka wants to build a championship-caliber roster, he must act urgently and accurately.

Fortunately for the Lakers, there are still some free agents available who can make an impact in Los Angeles. Due to the fact that the Lakers don't have much cap space, they will have to rely on bargain deals and players on the trade block. Considering that they have a lot of holes to fill across multiple positions, the Lakers can go different ways to fill out the roster. Let's take a look at the five best targets for them.

Gary Trent Jr.

There is an increased probability that the first free-agent signing of the summer for the Lakers will be Gary Trent Jr. The 25-year-old shooting guard hit unrestricted free agency this summer and the Toronto Raptors are reportedly willing to part ways with him.

Even though the sharpshooter had a down year in the 2023-24 season, his skillset is a good fit in Los Angeles. He is a career 38.6% shooter from downtown on 6.4 attempts per game. He is a versatile shooter who can thrive on catch-and-shoot or movement threes. Considering the lack of off-ball threats on the Lakers, Trent would be a good fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Los Angeles needs to space the floor as much as possible and that starts with adding elite shooters like Trent.