The Los Angeles Lakers were able to swing one deal before the NBA trade deadline, acquiring Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick. Both players are on expiring contracts so the Lakers didn’t sacrifice their salary cap space for this summer, but Kennard also makes slightly less than Vincent, meaning L.A. has more than enough room to sign a player off the buyout market.
The Lakers have turned to the buyout market in the past with varying degrees of success with the likes of Markieff Morris, Andre Drummond and Spencer Dinwiddie, just to name a few. And with an open roster spot it, makes sense that the Lakers will focus on bringing in one more player who could potentially help this team.
Of course, the front office could use this final roster spot on an in-house option that they are familiar with. Big man Drew Timme is currently on a two-way contract and has performed well in his time with the team. Additionally, Kobe Bufkin recently got a shot on a 10-day contract and has been dominant in the G League.
But there are definitely a few names on the market who could come in and fill a role for this team.
Potential Lakers buyout options
Cam Thomas
Arguably the most intriguing name available, Cam Thomas is an absolute bucket getter who thrives as a spark plug scorer off the bench. He averages 15.2 points per game for his career and there is no doubt what he brings to the table.
The concern with Thomas comes with the rest of his game as he has never shown himself to be a consistent playmaker or defender, nor has he ever put up that level of numbers on a contending team. But with the Lakers having one of the worst scoring benches in the NBA, adding Thomas would give the team a major boost in that department.
Haywood Highsmith
The Lakers sorely need 3-and-D wings and Haywood Highsmith might be the best available. He can defend multiple positions and having been with the Miami Heat for the last four seasons there is no doubt that he will be in great condition and play hard every second he is on the court.
Highsmith has also shot at least 38% from deep in each of the last two seasons and the Lakers are starved for real two-way wings. If there is a concern, it is that Highsmith has not played this season due to a torn meniscus, though he has already been playing 5-on-5 scrimmages and is nearly ready to return. Assuming health, he likely checks the most boxes for what the Lakers need on this roster.
Lonzo Ball
Even though he is nowhere near the athlete he as when he entered the league due to injuries that kept him out of the league for two years, Lonzo Ball is still a high IQ guard who can defend multiple positions and keep the ball moving on offense.
Perimeter defense remains the biggest need for the Lakers and Ball can still help with that, while being another secondary playmaker who makes great reads and keeps the ball moving. If he can rediscover his jump shot from his prior seasons, he could be an excellent pickup even with the injury concerns.
Chris Boucher
At his best, Chris Boucher was a high-energy big man who provides great weakside rim protection while also being able to stretch the floor offensively. He has been unable to find that rhythm this season, but perhaps a change of scenery could help him return to his previous form.
While he is not a physical presence down low, he could still serve a role for this Lakers team in the right matchups and is worth taking a chance on.
Matisse Thybulle
It remains to be seen if Matisse Thybulle will get bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, but if he is then he would be the best perimeter defender available for the Lakers.
Although he doesn’t shoot the 3-ball well, the Lakers have had interest in Thybulle in the past and could offer him a more significant role than a lot of other contenders.
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