The Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of work to do this offseason if they are going to turn last season’s team into a contender once more in the 2022-23 season. Everything starts with Russell Westbrook and whether or not the team is going to be able to trade him this offseason.
Whether or not the Lakers trade Westbrook, the team is going to have to add to the point guard position. Los Angeles traded Rajon Rondo in a smart move during the season and Avery Bradley is going to hit free agency this summer and should not be re-signed.
Depending on what the Lakers get in return in a Westbrook trade, these back-up point guards could end up being starters for Los Angeles without Westbrook blocking them in the starting five. However, the Lakers could go with LeBron as the acting point guard with wings and size around him. Regardless, there are options.
There are four options that the Los Angeles Lakers could pursue in free agency.
Of course, even if the Lakers do trade Westbrook this offseason they are going to be limited in what they can do in free agency. The Lakers have to take on similar money in return so either way, we are looking at an offseason that will consist of mostly league-minimum signings.
These four options are free agents that the Los Angeles Lakers could potentially afford, whether it is with a minimum contract or using the one contract type they are allowed to give out, the Taxpayer Mid Level Exception.