4 potential buyout targets that can boost Lakers' title chances

4 potential buyout targets that can boost Lakers’ title chances

By Jason Reed | Nov 20, 2023

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 08: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court against the Washington Wizards during their game at Spectrum Center on November 08, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Alec Burks could be a buyout target for the Lakers

Alec Burks was someone who was theorized as a potential trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers last season. Burks had a club option in the final year of his contract and if Detroit had no intention of bringing him back then it made sense to move him.

The Pistons ultimately held onto Burks and used the club option to keep him in town for the 2023-24 season. Now, it is highly unlikely that Burks finishes on a bad Pistons team that really has no reason to keep him around.

There are some hurdles that Burks would have to get through first as he could be a trade target for a contending team. However, because his salary is over $10 million and he has some defensive holes, it might be hard for a contender to construct the right package to bring him in.

Defensive hole aside, the Lakers should absolutely be interested in bringing Burks in as two-guard depth if he hits the buyout market. Burks has been one of the best three-point shooting role players in the league and he would add a new wrinkle to this Lakers offense, albeit in a small role.

Burks is shooting 44% from beyond the arc this season and has shot a combined 41.1% since the 2020-21 season. There are 93 players in the NBA who have taken 900 or more threes in that span, Burks ranks fourth in three-point percentage.

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