Jason Burgos
On Monday night, what was a pretty good season for the Los Angeles Lakers came to a disappointing end when they were officially swept out of the playoffs by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Expectations were always low when top star Luka Doncic suffered a significant hamstring injury right before the postseason started. But the roster still showed their potential and guts in advancing to the semis by defeating the Houston Rockets in the opening round.
Nevertheless, change is coming to the roster this offseason. NBA legend LeBron James likely played his final game in Los Angeles — and possibly in the league. And DeAndre Ayton is sure to opt out of the final year in his deal. While those are notable losses, the Lakers aren’t far off from being a legit title contender in 2026-27. But they still need better rim protection, big-time rebounding, and greater athletic versatility on defense.
With that in mind, let’s look at 10 impact players the LA front office should target this offseason to bolster the roster around young stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Sign Isaiah Hartenstein
While his stats don’t jump off the page, Isaiah Hartenstein makes a notable impact wherever he plays. He is a classic dirty work player who will do whatever is needed to win, and the Lakers need that. But beyond those characteristics, he is a great rebounder — especially on the offensive boards– is a smart and tenacious defender, and a skilled passer. If LA can get him at the right price in free agency, he would fill a lot of needs they have in the front court.
Trade for Andrew Wiggins
If Andrew Wiggins opts into the final year of his contract with the Miami Heat (he is expected to), he should be a target for the Lakers. He is the classic 3-and-D player that would fit very well on this Lakers team. He can guard many of the wing defenders Doncic or Reaves can’t while being a legit three-point threat — he shot 41% from the arc in 2025-26. Furthermore, if it doesn’t work out, he is off the books after next season.
Sign Peyton Watson
One player who will get a lot of interest in free agency this summer is Denver Nuggets swingman Peyton Watson. He had a breakout season in 2025-26 just in time for a jump onto the open market. Posting 14.6 points, close to five rebounds, and 1.1 blocks a game. While it may have just been a flash in the pan, at only 23-years-old, his upside is immense.
With two young players at the core of the roster, the Lakers should target other young pieces to grow with them. Watson should be at the top of their wishlist. However, the major issue is that he is a restricted free agent, and the Nuggets have the chance to match any offer.
Trade for Jarrett Allen
If the Cleveland Cavaliers don’t reach the Conference Finals this month, Jarrett Allen will surely be on the trade block, and the Lakers should be first in line for his services. The one-time All-Star brings rebounding, rim-protection, and the lob threat Doncic has wanted. He isn’t a star, but he would be a great fit for LA.
Although he is still owed three years and over $90 million, it would be worth it because he can address key needs this summer.
Trade for Yves Missi and Herb Jones
If the Lakers want to go in a more budget-friendly route to address certain issues, another option would be to get the New Orleans Pelicans on the phone and inquire about the cost of a trade for center Yves Missi and forward Herb Jones.
Neither has impressive offensive stats, but they are the impact defenders the Lakers should target this summer. Jones is a top perimeter defender. Missi is an impressive 21-year-old rim protector who can be further developed. It isn’t a sexy trade, but will play big dividends during the season.
Sign Mitchell Robinson
Despite averaging 19 minutes and scoring just five points a game, New York Knicks fans can inform you on how valuable Mitchell Robinson is. He is a top-notch defender and rim protector at the center spot, but his elite offensive rebounding can be the difference between a playoff team and a contender.
Knicks fans will also tell you about how injury-prone the big man is. He would certainly be a risk for the Lakers, but he is still only 28 and is exactly what they need in the middle.
Draft Tarris Reed Jr. with the No. 24 pick
The Lakers obviously have options in free agency and on the trade market. But the 2026 NBA Draft is deep and has some gems available late in the first round and early in the second. One player that should be on their radar is Connecticut big man Tarris Reed Jr.
He is a rugged rebounder who is great at crashing the offensive boards. He is an agile athlete on defense, but also has a rock-solid offensive game after posting just under 20 points a game for the Huskies last season.
Trade into Round 2 and Draft Zuby Ejiofor
If the Lakers are willing to trade into Round 2 of June’s event, another intriguing target would be St. John’s big man Zuby Ejiofor. The Big East Player of the Year is a good rebounder and an impressive rim protector (he averaged over two per game) at 6-foot-9. He also has upside on offense after averaging 16 points a game this past season.
As a potential replacement for LeBron James at power forward, Ejiofor could be a sleeper option early in Round 2.
Sign Kristaps Porzingis
If the Lakers are looking for affordable risks with upside this offseason, 10-year veteran Kristaps Porzingis should be on their radar. His bizarre health issues have severely hampered him over the last two seasons. However, his 2023-24 season with the Boston Celtics showed he can be a serious difference maker on a title contender if healthy.
While he isn’t a beast on the boards, he is a rim protector who is a lop threat and can stretch the floor. Because of his recent ailments, he might come at a bargain rate this summer.
