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3 moves the Lakers must now make after the Kevin Durant news

By Jason Reed

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers Summer League
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3. Give Cole Swider a standard contract

Cole Swider is currently signed to a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers and he has already earned a standard NBA contract from the team. Swider was the best shooter in the Summer League and he would add even more shooting to a roster that is depleted in that regard.

Having Hield and Turner on the roster would certainly help the cause but that would not be enough. Getting at least one big body that can knock down threes at an efficient rate would make a massive difference for the Lakers. Swider can do that, as evident from his 41.1% three-point rate at Syracuse last season.

Swider can make a much bigger difference on this team than Wenyen Gabriel. Not only can he shoot, but he hustles on the defensive end and can be a positive presence in that regard as well. While he is a rookie, it is not like Swider is young and under-developed. The dude is 23 years old and turns 24 in May, after all.

The Lakers can then turn Jay Huff’s exhibit 10 deal into a two-way deal to add size if it is ever needed throughout the season.

With Swider and the other additions, the Lakers have a much more ironed-out rotation. The starting five would consist of:

  • PG: Patrick Beverley
  • SG: Buddy Hield
  • SF: LeBron James
  • PF: Anthony Davis
  • C: Myles Turner

That is a starting five that can win games and has a nice blend of shooting and defense. Hield and Turner really add to the floor spacing while the Lakers can more than get by with an elite frontcourt defender in Anthony Davis and a still-great perimeter defender in Patrick Beverley.

Meanwhile, the main second unit would be the following:

  • PG: Kendrick Nunn/Austin Reaves
  • SG: Lonnie Walker IV/Max Christie
  • SF: Stanley Johnson/Juan Toscano-Anderson/Troy Brown Jr.
  • PF: Cole Swider
  • C: Thomas Bryant/Damian Jones

That is by no means perfect, but that is a much better outlook than what the Los Angeles Lakers currently have before they make any of these moves. If I was running the Lakers, that is how I would play out the rest of the offseason before training camp begins.

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