The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the 2024 offseason with their eyes set on improving along the perimeter. Strides were made at the NBA Draft, with reigning SEC Player of the Year Dalton Knecht falling to the Lakers at No. 17 overall.
The need to improve goes beyond incoming rookies such as Knecht and Bronny James, however, and will likely see Los Angeles pursue established talent in free agency.
In addition to James and Knecht, the top wings on the Lakers roster are Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent. Hopes are high that Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis can contribute in 2024-25, but uncertainty is what's sent Los Angeles to free agency for help.
As such, the Lakers are wise to aim for the acquisition of depth and stability—with an emphasis on 3-and-D capabilities.
Los Angeles finished the 2023-24 season ranked No. 24 in three-point field goals made and No. 28 in three-point field goals attempted. It was also 28th in three-point field goals allowed and 25th in opponent three-point field goal percentage.
The question is: Who are the players that could come in and make an immediate impact in two crucial areas of weakness?
And no, a shot creator like Paul George does not qualify as a 3-and-D wing.
5. Naji Marshall, UFA
Naji Marshall is one of the best-kept secrets in the NBA. A positionless defender who brings positive value against a surplus of challenges, Marshall has added an efficient and effective outside shot to his arsenal.
The 26-year-old is now an unrestricted free agent, making him a player the Lakers could realistically sign this offseason.
Marshall admittedly struggled from beyond the arc across his first three NBA seasons. In 2023-24, however, he became an entirely different offensive player, knocking down 38.7 percent of his 150 three-point field goal attempts for the New Orleans Pelicans.
The limited sample size of efficiency drops his ranking, but it's worth noting that he shot 37.8 percent before the All-Star Game and 40.4 percent after—showing consistency across the full 2023-24 campaign.
Marshall is a 6'6" and 220-pound wing who utilizes his near 7'1" wingspan to make life difficult for players at almost every position. In Los Angeles, he would fit in perfectly as a versatile defender who can take on high-level scorers at multiple positions alongside Anthony Davis and James.
While he only played 19.0 minutes per game in 2023-24, Marshall averaged 13.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.7 three-point field goals per 36 minutes.
There's serious talent to tap into here.