The Los Angeles Lakers can look to the NBA Finals for a few potential free agency targets. Mitchell Robinson might be the most popular name, given their need for a center, but Landry Shamet is making himself known. He's certainly a player the front office should have on their list, but he might be upping his price tag too much.
Los Angeles' top free agent priority is re-signing Austin Reaves, and he could try to command a max. Either way, he'll get a nice payday. After him is LeBron, whose salary (assuming he continues playing in LA) will determine what else the Lakers can do over the offseason. Yes, they're one of a few teams projected to have cap space, but Reaves and LeBron would cut into a big chunk of it.
Getting a reliable center will also be pricey, even if it's Robinson, who has a lengthy injury history. Then there's the decision to re-sign players like Luke Kennard and Rui Hachimura. The Lakers don't have to bring either back, and might not even be able to because of finances.
So, where does Shamet fit in?
Landry Shamet's price tag might be too high for Lakers
Shamet is on a veteran's minimum deal this season with New York. He battled for a roster spot with Malcolm Brogdon, who abruptly retired. To say he has come a long way since then would be an understatement.
The 29-year-old won't be on another minimum deal next year, defying the odds. He will have a lot more interest than he has in recent seasons, too. As NBA insider Marc Stein reported, suitors are already starting to circle Shamet.
Free agency suitors are indeed starting to circle for the Knicks' Landry Shamet thanks to his 55% shooting (50% from deep) during New York's 13-game playoff winning streak.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 8, 2026
We hit Shamet's scorching spring and much more in my latest around-the-NBA notes: https://t.co/oltXsW8M5E https://t.co/I1bBn5Hgsv
It doesn't take much to understand why. He has been a key role player for New York this postseason, averaging 9.8 points per game during the conference finals on 91.7% (11-of-12) shooting from three. So far in the first two games of the NBA Finals, Shamet is averaging 13 points on 46.2% shooting from deep in 31.2 minutes, so he's cooled off a bit. Ha.
He's absolutely come alive in the playoffs, hitting timely shots when the Knicks need him most. His knack for doing so on basketball's biggest stage will pay off in a few short weeks when free agency begins. Shamet has been unbelievably clutch.
It'd be great to have someone like him in purple and gold next season, knocking down big shots, but he might not even be available by the time the Lakers address other contract decisions. They might not have enough money for Shamet, anyway. If there's a way to make it happen, though, it needs to become a reality.
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