3 Surprisingly available free agents who can fill final Lakers roster spot

The Los Angeles Lakers are making their way through August with an open roster spot. Which free agents would actually make sense for the Lakers to sign?

Apr 22, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) follows through on a three-point basket attempt in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) follows through on a three-point basket attempt in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports | David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
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Landry Shamet, Unrestricted Free Agent

One of the early rumors to emerge this summer was that the Los Angeles Lakers were interested in acquiring Landry Shamet from the Washington Wizards. When the Wizards waived Shamet, it felt like a foregone conclusion that the Lakers would make a play for him.

Instead, Shamet is still an unrestricted free agent—and the Lakers remain a team in need of three-point shooting depth in the backcourt.

Shamet, 27, is a six-year veteran who has shot the lights out in each season but 2023-24. Between 2018-19 and 2022-23, he averaged 8.9 points and 2.0 three-point field goals made per game, knocking down 38.8 percent of his attempts from distance.

Shamet converted just 1.2 three-point field goals per game in 2023-24, however, and shot a career-worst 33.8 percent—although that's easier to explain than it might seem.

In 2023-24, Shamet played for a Wizards team that went 15-67 and struggled to find its footing offensively. Plenty of players took on facilitating roles, but there never seemed to be a clear idea of who the Wizards were or what type of offense they would generate.

Even still, Shamet shot a respectable 37.4 percent on catch-and-shoot threes, thus implying that an all-time facilitator like LeBron James could get him situated in a more fitting role.

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