Lakers Predicted to Make Sneaky Move With $16 Million Free Agent

During the offseason, there’s always a lot of focus on the Los Angeles Lakers, since they’re such a popular franchise, but this season, it’s really off the hook. Head coach JJ Redick is heading into his second year with the team, and there are some big expectations for him to have a better season than he did during the 2024-25 run.

So, it’s safe to say that the Lakers are working hard during the offseason to perfect their lineup. They currently have superstar player LeBron James, of course, so long as he stays with the franchise. Also, while trading for Luka Doncic was a strong move during the last season, it wasn’t enough to get them to the finals, and they’re going to need more firepower to make that happen.

Now, there’s one free agent who could be just what the Los Angeles Lakers need on their roster. This player is off the radar, too.

Los Angeles Lakers Free Agent Pitch

While the Lakers are used to getting big-named talent for their roster, that’s not always the best approach. In a piece published on Tuesday, July 8, Mikail Nakhuda of Lake Show Life pitches the idea of snagging a free agent who nobody has been talking about much.

That free agent is Trey Lyles. In the piece, he notes that the Lakers “still do not have a reliable stretch big on the roster” and that “they need someone who can sit in the corner, space the floor, and still bang on the boards. Lyles checks all those boxes.”

Now, don’t get too heated about this idea. Sure, Lyles didn’t have the best season last season. Nakhuda admits that “Lyles took a step back statistically” but also emphasizes the context of that.

Moving Past Last Season

“Sacramento dealt with a revolving door of roster moves, including the major trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio,” he states. “The offense lost its rhythm, and Lyles’ role shrank. Fox was the primary playmaker of the team and losing him hurt.”

Thankfully, that wouldn’t be an issue with the Lakers, who have tons of elite talent. “Luka and LeBron generate clean looks for shooters better than almost anyone in the league,” he notes. “Even Austin Reaves has become a quietly effective creator as well. Reaves is coming off his best season as a playmaker, as he averaged a career high 5.8 assists per game.”

“What that means is Lyles would not have to force a thing,” he adds, “he would just need to be ready.”

So, Lyles might not be the first person that comes to mind when thinking about the future of the Lakers, but he might just fit the bill right now. Yes, there are bigger starts out there in free agency right now, but those often come at a price. With Lyles, the Lakers could get a solid talent at a good cost, and it could be just what they need. It’s certainly not a terrible idea and could be exactly what the Lakers need.