2. A backup point guard that can take over for Russell Westbrook
If we were just talking about bringing in a backup point guard then this need would rank far lower on this list than no. 2. However, considering the Westbrook dynamic of this need, it has to be prioritized pretty highly by the Lakers this summer.
Westbrook is going to be on the Lakers to start the season and he is going to get his chance to prove the doubters wrong and improve on last season. However, if we know anything about Westbrook it is that he won’t change for the betterment of the team and that next season will be much like last season.
Westbrook may enter the season with the team but it would be shocking if he finished the season in LA. Whether he is trading in a salary dump, is bought out halfway through the season or is simply told to go home, the Lakers are better without Westbrook.
Thus, the Lakers need someone who can not only come off the bench and be a backup point guard for the Lakers but can also fill in and take on a bigger role when that day eventually comes. There are several free-agent options that could accomplish this, including former Laker Dennis Schroder.
Westbrook should see his minutes slashed anyway and in a perfect world, this backup point guard would already be getting close to as many minutes as Westbrook.