5 free agents the Lakers definitely must sign after 2023 NBA Draft

By Jason Reed | Jun 24, 2023

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) /

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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) – Georges Niang Lakers /

Georges Niang

As you might be able to tell by now, the Lakers need three-point shooting. The team entered the 2022-23 season with horrible three-point shooting and the results spoke for themselves. That was a big reason why the Lake Show struggled so much to start the season.

Things got better for the team after the deadline but they still could have used an extra shooter or two off the bench, especially with Malik Beasley playing himself out of the rotation. That was ultimately the difference against the Denver Nuggets. Denver hit far more threes and executed when it mattered.

Another potential shooting target for the Lakers is Georges Niang, who theoretically could be available for the Bi-Annual Exception this offseason. Niang is a one-trick pony like Lee, which hurts his value, but the one trick he does is beneficial to the Lakers.

Niang is a career 40.3% shooter from beyond the arc in 3.7 attempts per game. He has shown that he can hit shots in big spots as well as Niang shot 46.2% from three in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

Georges Niang’s size may make him a more favorable Lakers free-agent target

Niang is younger than both Curry and Lee and he also provides more size, which might make him more favorable in the eyes of the Lakers. Los Angeles needs more wing depth and Niang would provide that.

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