It is well-known the Los Angeles Lakers are set up for an offseason of spending in 2026. What is not totally clear yet would be how Rob Pelinka will use that money in the upcoming free agency period. There have been plenty of clues along the way, though.
Huge hints on the matter were dropped all the way back in mid-February. Dave McMenamin released a big-time piece on how a quiet trade deadline could set up an explosive offseason in Los Angeles. There were several names proposed as potential targets. To some, the list looked lackluster.
In the search of defenders who can also knock down shots, Tobias Harris was brought up as a name to watch for the Lakers. The Detroit Pistons forward is set to hit unrestricted free agency upon the completion of his two-year, $52 million deal. That would allow Los Angeles to bring him in outright.
Many Lakers fans cited Harris as a prime example of why saving money for free agency was not a perfect strategy for team-building. However, the veteran forward did his part in the first round against the Orlando Magic to change the narrative about what adding him in the summer could mean for LA.
Tobias Harris suddenly looks more than worth the pursuit for the Lakers
When many think of Harris, they think of the "overpaid" label. That comes from a previous big-money deal with the Philadelphia 76ers that did not look favorable for the franchise.
Harris has since enjoyed two solid campaigns with the Pistons. The veteran forward averaged 13.5 points, shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from beyond the arc, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steal per game over his two regular seasons in Detroit.
The playoffs have been where Harris has really shined.
Last season against the Knicks, the Pistons sharpshooter delivered 15.7 points per game on 48-44-100 shooting splits. That also included solid defense on the other end.
This year has only been better. In a seven-game series against the Magic, where offense was incredibly hard to come by consistently, Harris was a constant. Reliability was the name of the game for him.
Harris scored no fewer than 16 points in each of the games in the series as Detroit made their 3-1 comeback against Orlando. Ultimately, the Pistons veteran finished averaging 21.6 points, shooting 45.5 percent from the field, 8.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game.
Harris is about to hit age 34 in July. That should push him down the priority list for the Lakers as they pursue players who fit the Luka Doncic timeline. However, should the 15-year vet be available for a reasonable cost on a short-term deal, that scenario now looks much more attractive for Pelinka and crew.
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