Pre-Draft Outlook
The Lakers did a terrific job retooling the club during the season, which gave them a jump on the offseason. Suddenly, they’re blessed with young established players to continue to groom around LeBron James and Anthony Davis and also armed with the 17th overall pick to bring into the player development mix. That said, the Lakers are clearly on the clock with LeBron, who is unsure about his future, so there’s understandable urgency to win now. They have a choice: Package some of those players and the pick for established help, or hope the status quo can reach the NBA Finals. Complicating matters is the pending free agency of Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. Which one of these players is worth keeping? And who can fetch something in a sign-and-trade?
The Way To Go
At some point, the Lakers need to rebuild and this depends on what James decides to do for next season. If he returns, then L.A. should trade the pick and that would invite all sorts of possibilities. If he takes a year off or retires, then it’s time for a roster shakeup of sorts with an eye toward rebuilding. They’ll likely keep the pick in that situation and look for the best available talent on board. If the Lakers decide to be choosy with that first-rounder, then point guard would be the priority since it’s unlikely they’ll retain Russell especially if his contract demands are high. And then they’ll need to address the future of Anthony Davis. Would it make sense to keep him during a rebuild? The better option could be to swap him for more picks and young players.
— Shaun Powell
Here’s a quick look at who the Los Angeles Lakers have under contract, who is a free agent this summer and who they added in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Under Contract
G: Max Christie
G: Shaquille Harrison
F: LeBron James
F: Cole Swider
F: Jarred Vanderbilt
F/C: Anthony Davis
C: Mo Bamba
Free Agents
G: Malik Beasley (team option)
G: Scotty Pippen Jr. (two-way)
G: Austin Reaves (restricted)
G: D’Angelo Russell (unrestricted)
G: Dennis Schroder (unrestricted)
G/F: Troy Brown Jr. (unrestricted)
G/F: Lonnie Walker IV (unrestricted)
F: Wenyen Gabriel (unrestricted)
F: Rui Hachimura (restricted)
C/F: Tristan Thompson (unrestricted)
> 2023 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2022: Max Christie (35)
* = acquired via trade
** = traded in draft-night deal
*** = traded in offseason deal