The Lakers are no strangers to chasing stars. But this offseason, they need to continue to look at patching the real holes in their rotation. It is not always about fireworks, sometimes it’s about finding the right pieces to the puzzle. That is why Trey Lyles should be on their radar.
The Los Angeles Lakers already have their stars in Luka Doncic and LeBron James. They even already went out and got another big name in Deandre Ayton and brought back rim-running insurance in Jaxson Hayes. With that being said they still do not have a reliable stretch big on the roster. They need someone who can sit in the corner, space the floor, and still bang on the boards. Lyles checks all those boxes.
Over the past few years, he has carved out a role as one of the league’s more dependable stretch fours. He is not going to take over games, but he is going to help by hitting open threes, defending his position, and playing physical. In his 2023–24 campaign with the Sacramento Kings he shot just under 40% from deep showcasing a clear example of what he can be when used correctly.
Struggles during last season.
Last year Lyles took a step back statistically. But remember that context matters. Sacramento dealt with a revolving door of roster moves, including the major trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio. The offense lost its rhythm, and Lyles’ role shrank. Fox was the primary playmaker of the team and losing him hurt.
In LA, he would not face those same issues.
Unlike the current Kings squad, the Lakers are absolutely loaded with elite playmaking. Luka and LeBron generate clean looks for shooters better than almost anyone in the league. Even Austin Reaves has become a quietly effective creator as well. Reaves is coming off his best season as a playmaker, as he averaged a career high 5.8 assists per game. What that means is Lyles would not have to force a thing, he would just need to be ready.
He brings more to the table than just threes.
He also brings needed size and toughness to a frontcourt that struggled against physical teams last season, just ask Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Yes, there are bigger names out there like Al Horford but bigger does not always mean better. Al Horford is already commanding league-wide attention, and that kind of thing is only going to drive up his price. Lyles is a far more realistic and cost-effective option.