Los Angeles Lakers: 4 potential buyout targets to avoid at all costs

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 05: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center on December 5, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 05: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center on December 5, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Despite most fans and pundits expecting them to make a move at the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers ultimately stood pat and did not make a trade. While that might be disappointing to some, it was a good thing that the Lakers did not compound previous bad roster decisions by making another bad roster decision.

Now the Lakers will turn their full focus towards the buyout market to try to sign someone who is going to raise the floor of this team. No buyout signing is going to fix the problems that the Lakers currently have but it could give them better depth to at least avoid the Play-In Tournament.

The buyout market is not as dense as it has been in previous years but there are still some potential options for the team to explore. However, not every NBA player who could be bought out this season is worth the Lakers’ consideration.

There are 4 potential buyout targets that the Los Angeles Lakers should avoid at all costs.

There is not a guarantee that each of these four players are bought out by their respective teams but all four are prime buyout candidates. If any of the four players do hit the open market then the Lakers’ front office should summon all of the power they have inside themselves to not make a phone call.

Whether the signings would be pointless or would actively make the team worse somehow, here are the four potential buyout targets that the Lakers should be avoiding this season.