5 free agents the Lakers definitely must sign after 2023 NBA Draft
By Jason Reed
![PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 21: Damion Lee #10 of the Phoenix Suns during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Footprint Center on January 21, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Pacers 112-107. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 21: Damion Lee #10 of the Phoenix Suns during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Footprint Center on January 21, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Pacers 112-107. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ac71660c5c2554002983975275274e2ba0f0a311a5f93b24d173a081d1ee2bf5.jpg)
The 2023 NBA Draft is officially in the books and the Los Angeles Lakers added two young players to be excited about. Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis both have the potential to not only develop into difference-makers but to be backend rotation guys as early as 2023.
The work is far from over, though, as Rob Pelinka and the front office need to build out a roster that can not only build on last season’s success but take it a step further. A big part of this equation is going to be in free agency.
Los Angeles likely is not in the market for any kind of stars but they can still add some promising role players to add to the rotation via the free-agent market. After the 2023 NBA Draft, there are several names that stand out.
5 free agents the Lakers should definitely sign after 2023 NBA Draft:
Damion Lee
The Lakers signed the wrong Warriors free agent last summer as Juan Toscano-Anderson did not last an entire season in LA while Damion Lee went on to be the best shooting role player in the entire sport.
Lee’s offensive game is limited as he is not someone who is going to initiate the offense or create his own shot much. He also is not a three-and-D specialist as his defense is not great, although it is not terrible.
Lee is a lethal off-ball shooter that could really benefit from the gravitational pull of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Lee shot 44.5% from three last season and would make a huge difference on this Lakers team. Because of his limited skillset outside of shooting, he should be available as a reasonable price.