3. Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry is the best player on this list and if he is willing to take a pay cut in order to be a Laker then the Lakers would be set. Lowry should make over $30 million next season and the Lakers would have to get that number down to the $25-28 million range, while also hoping that Schroder does not get an offer over $15 million so he accepts the sign-and-trade.
The Lakers reportedly did not trade for Lowry during the NBA trade deadline as they did not want to include Talen Horton-Tucker in the package. The team would not have to include THT in this package if Lowry flexed his leverage in the situation.
Being an unrestricted free agent, if Lowry wants to be a Laker he will be a Laker. The Raptors could theoretically be petty and not trade Lowry where he wants to go but that would not make sense for two reasons. First, it is poor roster building to not get at least some value for the asset. Second, it is hard to see the Raptors treating the best player in franchise history that poorly.
Lowry is exactly what the Lakers need in a third star. He does not demand the ball and at this stage in his career is likely going to be more than accepting of a smaller role. He can score when he needs to, he can facilitate when he needs to, he is a solid defender, and most importantly, he is a great leader.
Lowry is someone who you want to go to war with and that is exactly what the Los Angeles Lakers need. If Lowry comes to LA, and the team stays healthy, they are undoubtedly making the NBA Finals next season.
Lowry is the ceiling. While it is fun to speculate about Dame and whichever other stars are disgruntled, the Lakers cannot really get a star bigger than Lowry.