The Los Angeles Lakers have done an excellent job thus far this offseason. Rob Pelinka and the front office were able to bring back the core that made it to the Western Conference Finals last season while also adding key upgrades that could help the team make it even further.
As it stands right now, the Lakers have two open roster spots to use and two noticeable areas to address on the roster: shooting guard and center. After Lonnie Walker IV signed with the Brooklyn Nets, it seemed inevitable that the Lakers would utilize Malik Beasley’s Bird Rights to pay him slightly over the minimum to bring him back.
Beasley instead signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving the Lakers in need of a two-guard that can provide depth off the bench.
Lakers free agency target: Svi Mykhailiuk
Rob Pelinka has not been shy in bringing back former Lakers in the past and he could do so again with Svi Mykhailiuk. After all, there is no such thing as too much shooting for an NBA team and Mykhailiuk’s one great trait is that he can knock down three-point shots.
Whether it be off-ball or as a pull-up shooter, Mykhailiuk has real potential as a rotation player that can play 15 or so minutes in the regular season solely to hit shots. His one-dimensional game and defense may keep him out of the playoff rotation but as a regular-season piece he would be solid.
Los Angeles doesn’t have much shooting off the bench with D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura likely starting for the team. Adding Mykhailiuk would at least be a step in the right direction and of the affordable options, he is by far the best shooter.